Optical Fiber Laser Convergence Part for Underwater Shockwave Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater shockwave generating devices face durability issues due to water penetration through fine cracks in the optical fiber, leading to a decrease in shockwave strength after initial irradiation, limiting their effectiveness in treating deep tissue areas without causing thrombus obstruction.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber with a laser beam convergence part having a truncated cone shape and a mirror surface finish, where the radius gradually decreases towards the front, enhancing durability and preventing crack formation, combined with a reflector and blocking membrane to concentrate the laser beam and generate strong, stable shockwaves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fine crack is formed during shape forming of the optical fiber, then the optical fiber can be manufactured, but water penetrates inside and causes destruction after irradiation, reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing polishing treatment on the optical fiber surface before the water penetration and destruction can occur. The polishing process removes fine cracks and asperities in advance, creating a smooth mirror surface that prevents water infiltration during subsequent use. This proactive approach to surface preparation eliminates the root cause of durability issues rather than addressing them after they manifest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of surface irregularities (fine cracks and asperities that allow water penetration) into a beneficial smooth mirror surface through polishing. The polishing process transforms the harmful rough surface into a protective smooth surface that reflects light efficiently while preventing water infiltration, thus turning a potential failure point into a strength.
2Power
If the optical fiber surface is rough, then shockwave generation is enhanced, but fine cracks and asperities form that allow water penetration and reduce durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the surface finish parameters of the optical fiber. Through multi-stage polishing with progressively finer abrasives (from 24 microns to 1 micron), the surface roughness parameter is reduced to create a mirror finish. This parameter transformation maintains the optical properties needed for shockwave generation while eliminating the mechanical defects that compromise durability.
3Productivity
If the optical fiber is used multiple times, then treatment effectiveness is maintained, but shockwave strength decreases dramatically after first or a few irradiations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing thorough polishing treatment on the optical fiber surface before it is put into service. This pre-treatment removes all fine cracks and asperities that would otherwise develop during use, ensuring the optical fiber maintains its shockwave generation capability throughout its operational life. The polishing is performed in advance to prevent degradation rather than to correct it after occurrence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of surface imperfections into a benefit by creating a smooth mirror surface through polishing. This surface quality maintains optimal optical properties across multiple uses, preventing the degradation that would otherwise occur. The smooth surface reflects light efficiently and resists water infiltration, ensuring consistent shockwave strength over time.
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 enables the generation of high-energy shockwaves with improved durability, allowing for effective treatment of deep tissue areas with increased energy efficiency and prolonged device lifespan, maintaining shockwave strength over multiple uses.
Implementation Method 1
the laser beam convergence part is a solid of revolution having an axis where a radius gradually decreases toward a front, the laser beam convergence part has a truncated cone shape
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the laser beam underwater to generate the underwater shockwave
Implementation Method 3
the outer surface of the laser beam convergence part is configured to be a mirror surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an optical fiber which has good laser beam condensation efficiency and is highly resilient, and a shockwave generating device employing same. An optical fiber (11) is employed in an underwater shockwave generating device (10) which projects a laser beam underwater and generates an underwater shockwave. The optical fiber (11) comprises: a main body part (16); and a laser convergence part (17) which is disposed upon a leading end thereof. The laser convergence part (17) is configured so as to exhibit an approximately frustum shape wherein the diameter of the leading end (18a) is narrower than the diameter of the base end (18b), and such that an interior angle θ with respect to a radial direction of a lateral face of an axial cross-section gradually decreases toward the front thereof.