Optical Fiber Fixing Member for Photoacoustic Imaging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In photoacoustic imaging, the intensity of detected photoacoustic waves is weakened by shielding objects, and the optical fiber's insertion length into a puncture needle can change, affecting the alignment and position of the light emitting end, leading to inaccurate imaging.
Innovation Solution
An insert with a hollow tube and an optical fiber fixing member that includes a first portion with protrusions to securely fix the optical fiber, preventing changes in insertion length and ensuring accurate alignment of the light emitting end, using an optical fiber fixing member with a larger cross-sectional size than the first portion and adjustable insertion amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical fiber is inserted into the hollow tube and fixed using adhesive or by hand, then the optical fiber can be positioned at the desired insertion length, but the insertion length may change when the hand is released before fixing, causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber fixing member is designed with a protrusion that engages with a groove in the hollow tube before adhesive fixing occurs. This preliminary mechanical engagement ensures the optical fiber maintains its adjusted insertion length position, preventing any backward movement when hand pressure is released during the adhesive setting process
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber fixing member acts as an intermediary component between the optical fiber and the hollow tube. It provides a reliable mechanical connection through the protrusion-groove engagement, ensuring stable positioning of the optical fiber at the desired insertion length without direct reliance on adhesive alone
2Ease of operation
If the inner diameter of the insertion opening is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber, then the optical fiber can be easily inserted and adjusted, but the optical fiber may move and change insertion length when not held
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber fixing member is inserted into the hollow tube through the insertion opening before final adhesive fixing. Its protrusion engages with the groove to establish preliminary mechanical constraint, allowing easy insertion and adjustment while preventing unwanted movement
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion opening region is designed with specific features: a groove at a predetermined position and an adhesive injection port. The optical fiber fixing member has a protrusion that fits into the groove, creating localized mechanical engagement that provides stability without restricting overall ease of insertion
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 effectively stabilizes the optical fiber's position within the needle, maintaining the intensity of detected photoacoustic waves and ensuring precise alignment, thereby enhancing the accuracy of photoacoustic imaging without the need for continuous manual adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber that is inserted into an inside portion of the hollow tube and guides light emitted from a light source
Implementation Method 2
a light absorbing member that absorbs light guided by the optical fiber in a case of being irradiated with the light and generates a photoacoustic wave
Implementation Method 3
the optical fiber fixing member is fixed by the at least three protrusions of the first portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
With respect to an insert and an attachment member, after an insertion length of an optical fiber into a hollow tube is adjusted, it is possible to suppress the change of the insertion length of the optical fiber. An optical fiber (61) is inserted into an inside portion of a hollow tube of an insert and guides light emitted from a light source. A base end section (52) includes an optical fiber insertion part (53) used for inserting the optical fiber (61). An optical fiber fixing member (77) fixes the optical fiber (61) at a position spaced from a distal end of the optical fiber (61). The optical fiber insertion part (53) has a first portion (71) into which the optical fiber fixing member (77) is inserted. The first portion (71) has at least three protrusions protruding toward the center at positions spaced from each other in a circumferential direction. A size of the optical fiber fixing member (77) in a direction perpendicular to an insertion direction into the first portion (71) is larger than that of an inside portion of the first portion (71), and the optical fiber fixing member (77) is harder than the first portion (71).