Optical Coupling Moveable Gate Light Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

In medical and other applications, optical devices with energized light sources pose a risk of damaging light exposure to users and patients, particularly with Class III and above lasers, due to premature light escape during connector coupling, which can cause eye and skin damage.

Innovation Solution

The optical coupling system employs moveable gates or shutters that block damaging light from escaping until the target optical device is fully inserted, utilizing redundant components to ensure safe light transmission only through proper optical paths, such as split shutters, tabbed inserts, torsion spring gated pins, and elastomeric housing to control gate movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the light source is kept energized during coupling operations, then system productivity is improved, but harmful light exposure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling operation efficiencyVSAvoidlight exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter is positioned in advance within the coupling body to block the light path before coupling occurs. This preliminary blocking action prevents harmful light from escaping during the coupling operation, allowing the light source to remain energized without exposing operators to danger.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter acts as an intermediary element between the energized light source and the external environment. It mediates the light transmission by selectively blocking or allowing light passage based on the coupling state, enabling safe operation with the light source remains on.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If protective gear is required during coupling operations, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight exposure protectionVSAvoidcoupling operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system provides its own safety function through the shutter mechanism that automatically blocks light during coupling operations. This self-service safety feature eliminates the need for operators to wear protective gear, simplifying the operation while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The design converts the potential harmful light exposure into a benefit by using the shutter mechanism to automatically protect operators. The system that could have been a hazard becomes a safety feature, eliminating the need for additional protective equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the shutter mechanism is added to the coupling system, then light exposure safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight exposure riskVSAvoidcoupling system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter mechanism is merged with the coupling body as an integrated component rather than a separate assembly. This combining of functions reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the safety benefit of light blocking during coupling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling body serves multiple functions: it connects optical components and simultaneously houses the shutter mechanism for safety. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated safety components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively prevents damaging light from escaping, reducing the need to power down light sources or use protective gear during coupling, ensuring safe operation by maintaining light at non-damaging levels, thus enhancing user and patient safety.

Implementation Method 1

at least one moveable gate to prevent damaging light from being transmitted outside of the coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7883276B2Optical transmission coupling

Publication Date: 2011.02.08 FUJIFILM SONOSITE INC

AI summary

The present invention is directed to systems and methods that couple together optical devices in a manner that prevents damaging light from escaping the coupling except through the devices. In order to prevent damaging light from coming into contact with the user, the present invention obscures the source optical device by using at least one moveable gate to prevent damaging light from being transmitted outside of the coupling until such time as the target optical device is fully inserted into the coupling, thereby preventing light that could potentially damage a person from escaping the system except through the optical device.