Compact Optical Fiber Illuminator with Segmented Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The illumination of optical fibers for decorative purposes is hindered by the lack of a convenient power source, despite advancements in light emitting diodes (LEDs) which have not adequately addressed this issue.
Innovation Solution
A compact illuminator for optical fibers featuring a housing with separate compartments for a battery and light source, an optical coupler with a central body and mounting means, and a method of illuminating woven objects by forming a fiber bundle and integrating the illuminator within a pocket of the fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional power source is used for optical fiber illumination, then the illumination function is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator is divided into separate functional compartments: a first compartment for the battery power source and a second compartment for the light source and optical coupler. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its function while maintaining overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical coupler is positioned within the housing structure, and the fiber bundle is inserted into the distal end of the coupler. The components are nested within each other to maximize space utilization and minimize the overall volume of the illuminator device.
2Use of energy by moving object
If LED technology is used, then power consumption is reduced and size is minimized, but adequate illumination of optical fibers is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
An optical coupler with a lens is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED light source and the optical fiber bundle. The coupler focuses and directs the light from the LED onto the fiber bundle, significantly improving light extraction efficiency and illumination intensity while maintaining low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical coupler changes the spatial distribution and directionality of light parameters, focusing the light from the LED onto the optical fiber bundle. This parameter optimization ensures adequate illumination intensity is achieved while maintaining the energy efficiency of LED technology.
3Illumination intensity
If optical fibers are woven into fabric, then decorative effect is achieved, but integration of power source becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator is designed with separate compartments for the battery and light source components, allowing the device to be integrated into the fabric without requiring complex internal routing. The segmented design simplifies integration while maintaining the decorative illumination effect.
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 provides a compact, easy-to-use illuminator that effectively illuminates optical fibers, enhancing the decorative effect of woven objects with improved light extraction efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coupler associated with the light source, the optical coupler comprising a central body arrayed along a light source axis and having a proximal end with a lens adjacent the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminator (10) for a plurality of optical fibers (12). The illuminator (10) comprises a housing (14) that can be formed of two housing halves, (14a) and (14b) of a suitable material such as an opaque ABS plastic. First and second compartments (16, 18) are provided in the housing. A suitable battery (20) is contained within the first compartment (16) and a light source (22) is contained in the second compartment (18). The light source (22) is preferably a LED. The light source (22) is mounted upon a printed circuit board (24), which, in turn, can be mounted upon a heatsink (24a), for example, a black, anodized aluminum. An optical coupler (26) is associated with the light source (22) and comprises a central body (28) arrayed along a light source axis (30) and has a proximal end (32) with a lens (34) adjacent the light source (22) and a distal end (36). At least one lateral projection (38) (preferably, two) is formed on the central body (28), the lateral projection (38) including mounting means (40). The distal end (36) is formed to accept an optical fiber bundle (42) that has a body (42a) that preferably is polygonal in cross-section.