Optical Element Deflecting Axial Light into Radial Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic procedures require multiple illumination units with separate lasers and optical fibers to create multiple ring patterns of light for inspecting the patency of airways, making the catheter cumbersome and expensive to produce.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with radially and axially spaced beam-deflecting facets that receive an annular section of a beam, allowing for the generation of multiple axially spaced ring patterns of light using a single light source, combined with an image collection means to capture reflections from the airway walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination units with separate lasers and optical fibers are used to create multiple ring patterns of light, then the ability to inspect multiple sections of the airway is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and expensive to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple illumination functions into a single integrated optical element. Instead of using separate lasers and optical fibers for each ring pattern, the invention uses one optical element with multiple beam-deflecting facets that can generate multiple axially spaced ring patterns from a single light source, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to inspect multiple airway sections
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical element is segmented into multiple beam-deflecting facets arranged at different axial positions and radial locations. Each facet is configured to deflect a specific annular section of the light beam into a radial direction, creating separate ring patterns at different axial positions along the airway, thus achieving multiple illumination sections through segmentation of the optical element
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination units with separate lasers and optical fibers are used to create multiple ring patterns of light, then the ability to inspect multiple sections of the airway is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple illumination functions into a single integrated optical element. Instead of using separate lasers and optical fibers for each ring pattern, the invention uses one optical element with multiple beam-deflecting facets that can generate multiple axially spaced ring patterns from a single light source, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to inspect multiple airway sections
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical element performs multiple functions that previously required separate illumination units. It can generate multiple ring patterns of light at different axial positions simultaneously, making it a universal illumination component that replaces multiple specialized components, thereby reducing production cost
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 efficient and cost-effective generation of multiple ring patterns of light for endoscopic inspection, reducing the complexity and cost of the catheter while providing comprehensive illumination of the airway for accurate imaging.
Implementation Method 1
the pitch arranged such that light incident from the optical fibre on the internal walls of the cone is reflected by total internal reflection in the direction of the opposing wall, though which it is transmitted, deflecting due to refraction as it does so into a path which is at 90 degrees to the initial incident light
Implementation Method 2
light incident from the optical fibre on the internal walls of the cone is reflected by total internal reflection in the direction of the opposing wall
Implementation Method 3
the optical body is configured to transmit or transport the input beam through and along the volume of the optical body
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an imaging system comprising an optical element for deflecting axially incident light into a series of axially spaced outward radial projections, and further comprising an image collection means for collecting reflected light. The element comprises a plurality of light deflecting surfaces or features which are arranged at axially successive points along the element, each at a different radial location. The light-deflecting surfaces are arranged to deflect light incident upon them from an axial direction in a radial direction, each thereby generating a radial projection of light from the element. A beam or beam bundle projected along the element has successive outer annular layers stripped by the facets and deflected outwards at different axial points along the structure.