Optical Deflection Probe Using Photoelectric Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical deflection probes used in medical and industrial applications face issues such as optical fiber breakage due to stress, the need for electrical power sources, and high costs, especially when used in small spaces like blood vessels or for disposable probes.

Innovation Solution

An optical deflection probe device that deflects light using an optical deflector driven by an electromotive force generated from photoelectric conversion of excitation light, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation of optical fibers and electrical power sources, and incorporating a MEMS mirror unit or piezo actuator for precise deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an optical fiber is rotated to scan the measuring object, then light can be deflected to obtain image information, but the optical fiber may be twisted and broken by undesired stress or torsion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight deflection capabilityVSAvoidoptical fiber integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of the optical fiber with an optical deflection system consisting of a mirror and electromagnetic actuator. The mirror deflects the light beam to scan the measuring object while the optical fiber remains stationary, eliminating torsional stress and the risk of fiber breakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element between the optical fiber and the measuring object. The mirror serves as the scanning element that deflects light without requiring the optical fiber itself to rotate, thereby protecting the fiber from mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a motor is provided in the probe to rotate the mirror, then light deflection is achieved, but electrical wires need to be installed and the probe cannot be applied to regions with small inner diameter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight deflection capabilityVSAvoidelectrical wire installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical rotation system with an electromagnetic actuator that directly controls the mirror's angular position. This eliminates the need for motors, gear trains, and extensive electrical wiring, simplifying the probe structure for miniaturized applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the actuation mechanism from mechanical rotation driven by motors to electromagnetic field-driven mirror positioning. This parameter change in the actuation method enables precise control with minimal structural complexity and no requirement for complex electrical wire installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a micromotor is used for rotating the mirror, then light scanning is achieved, but the probe becomes expensive and disposable probes cannot be realized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight scanning capabilityVSAvoidprobe cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive micromotors with a simpler electromagnetic actuator system consisting of a coil and permanent magnet. This replacement dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the light scanning capability, enabling the production of disposable probes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adopts a cost-effective electromagnetic actuator design that enables the manufacturing of disposable probes. The simplified structure with fewer expensive components allows for economical production of single-use probes suitable for medical and other applications where sterility and convenience are critical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables the creation of a cost-effective, disposable optical deflection probe that can be used in tight spaces without risking fiber breakage, allowing for non-invasive imaging and inspection in medical and industrial applications with high resolution and reduced complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric conversion element for receiving excitation light separated by said optical filter; and an optical deflector that is driven due to an electromotive force obtained by said photoelectric conversion element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7323680B2Optical deflection probe and optical deflection probe device

Publication Date: 2008.01.29 SANTEC

AI summary

An optical fiber transmits signal light and the excitation light for driving an actuator each having a different wavelength to a probe. In the probe, the signal light and excitation light are separated from each other by an optical filter and the excitation light is irradiated to a photo diode. The signal light is supplied to a MEMS mirror unit. Then, the MEMS mirror unit is driven by an electromotive force obtained by the photo diode. In this manner, by modulating intensity of the excitation light, the signal light can be deflected.