Optical Fiber Connector with Elastomeric Interface for Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep brain optical stimulation devices face challenges in maintaining a clean interface between the optical fiber and the light source, leading to potential impurities and degradation of optical transmission, particularly due to physiological fluids, and suffer from large connector dimensions and reflection issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transparent elastomeric interface element made of silicone or polyurethane, which compresses between the optical fiber and a sapphire or silica window, reducing the need for an O-ring and minimizing reflection losses, and a detachable connector system for the light source, allowing for focused light emission and improved sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional connector system is used to connect the optical fiber to the light source, then the connection is stable, but the connector dimensions become large and the optical interface is prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional O-ring sealing element from the connector assembly, extracting only the essential sealing function and implementing it through a different mechanism (direct contact sealing between the optical fiber ferrule and the light source window). This eliminates the bulky O-ring while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function and the optical coupling function into a single integrated interface. The optical fiber ferrule directly contacts the light source window, combining the mechanical connection, optical alignment, and sealing functions into one unified structure, thereby reducing overall connector size.
2Reliability
If a traditional connector system with O-ring is used, then sealing is provided, but the optical interface becomes contaminated by physiological fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the O-ring from the optical interface area, eliminating the source of potential contamination while maintaining sealing through direct contact between the ferrule and window. This extraction prevents physiological fluids from contaminating the optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber ferrule acts as an intermediary element that provides both mechanical support and sealing contact with the light source window. This intermediary structure creates a sealed barrier that prevents physiological fluids from reaching the optical interface without requiring additional sealing components.
3Area of stationary object
If the optical fiber is directly connected to the light source without an interface element, then the connector size is reduced, but reflection losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the local optical properties at the interface by applying anti-reflective coating to the light source window. This local quality enhancement reduces reflection losses at the critical optical interface without affecting the overall connector size or structure.
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
The solution enhances the cleanliness of the optical interface, reduces connector size, and minimizes reflection losses, thereby stabilizing the laser and ensuring effective deep brain stimulation with improved optical transmission quality.
Implementation Method 1
an interface element made of a transparent elastomeric material capable, in connected position, of being maintained compressed between the window and the input surface of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
the interface element is made of silicone or of polyurethane
Implementation Method 3
the device further comprises an optical system capable, in connected position, of focusing the light emitted by the source onto the input surface of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 4
an optical system capable, in connected position, of focusing the light emitted by the source onto the input surface of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 5
a light source assembled in a package, the package comprising a transparent window opposite the light source
Implementation Method 6
an optical fiber fitted with a connector capable of detachably engaging with the package to maintain an input surface of the optical fiber opposite the light source via the window
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device comprising: a light source mounted in a housing, the housing comprising a transparent window opposite the light source; an optical fiber fitted with a connector suitable for detachably engaging with the housing to retain an input surface of the optical fiber opposite the light source via the window; and an interface element made of transparent elastomeric material suitable, in the connected position, for being retained so as to be compressed between the window and the input surface of the optical fiber.