Optical Fiber Guarding Wall Mechanism for Contact Spectroscopy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical fiber systems for contact spectroscopy face challenges such as brittleness, inconsistent alignment, discomfort to subjects, and reduced signal quality due to hair interference and air pockets, especially when used on curved surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A guarding wall mechanism for optical fibers that includes a housing with a chamfered end and suction units to secure the fiber in place, reducing pressure damage and air pockets, and using reflective plates to minimize light leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If bare fiber ends are used to contact the sample surface, then the fibers can reach remote places of the sample surface, but the fibers are brittle and may break under applied pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to contact remote placesVSAvoidfiber durability under pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a guarding wall structure that extends into the measurement space from the housing, creating a protective barrier before the fiber end. This guarding wall cushioning structure prevents direct transmission of excessive pressure to the fiber, while still allowing the fiber to contact remote areas of the sample surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If bare fiber ends are used for measurement, then direct contact with sample surface is achieved, but the alignment is random and data consistency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect contact capabilityVSAvoiddata consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guarding wall is pre-positioned in the housing at a specific distance from the fiber end. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the probe contacts the sample surface, the guarding wall makes contact first, establishing a consistent reference plane that guides the fiber end to maintain consistent alignment and orientation during measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If fiber bundle is used to collect more signals, then signal to noise ratio increases, but air pockets are created between fiber tip and skin surface especially on curved surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal to noise ratioVSAvoidair pockets formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guarding wall acts as an intermediary structure between the fiber bundle and the sample surface. It makes initial contact and creates a stable platform that allows the fiber bundle to maintain consistent contact with the surface, preventing air pocket formation while preserving the signal collection capability of the fiber bundle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If conventional optical fiber system is used, then hair acts as barrier between fiber and surface, but this reduces signal intensity and produces low signal to noise ratio

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimple fiber contactVSAvoidsignal intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guarding wall extends into the measurement space, creating a new dimensional reference plane. This structural addition allows the system to overcome the barrier effect of hair by establishing a consistent contact geometry that ensures the fiber end maintains optimal proximity to the sample surface despite surface irregularities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 mechanism protects the optical fibers from pressure damage, reduces Fresnel losses, ensures consistent contact with the examination surface, and enhances signal quality by minimizing air pockets and hair interference.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of suction units are configured to selectively exert suction pressure on an examination surface in contact with a free end of the optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The mechanism protects the optical fibers from pressure damage, reduces Fresnel losses, ensures consistent contact with the examination surface, and enhances signal quality by minimizing air pockets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFresnel losses: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11460643B2Guarding wall mechanism for housing an optical fiber

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 LAVANIA ANUPAM

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a guarding wall mechanism (100) for an optical fiber (101). The mechanism (100) comprises a housing (202) adapted to house the optical fiber (101), wherein the housing (202) defines a space (108) between the optical fiber (101) and a guarding wall of the housing (202). A plurality of suction units (103) disposed in the space (108). Each of the plurality of suction units (103) are configured to selectively exert suction pressure on an examination surface in contact with a free end (109) of the optical fiber (101). The guarding wall mechanism (100) of the present disclosure eliminates leakage of light and reduces Fresnel losses. Also, the mechanism (100) improves comfort to the patient during examination.