Optical Light Guide Switching Between Integrated and External Sources
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical instruments, such as endoscopes, lack flexibility in lighting options, with integrated and external lighting systems being limited in their use and switching capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An optical instrument design that allows for interchangeable lighting systems by using a light guide with a displaceable interface to switch between internal and external light sources, facilitated by a switching apparatus and magnetic interaction for seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated light source is used in the optical instrument, then the lighting system is self-contained and portable, but the lighting options and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical instrument is designed with a universal lighting interface that can accept both integrated light sources (LEDs mounted in the housing) and external light sources (connected via light cable with light guide). The light guide has a displaceable interface that can be positioned to receive light from either the integrated source or the external source, allowing the same device to perform multiple lighting functions without requiring separate devices for each lighting mode.
2Illumination intensity
If an external light source is connected via light cable, then higher luminous intensity and specific wavelengths are available, but the device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is designed with a displaceable interface that can dynamically switch between receiving light from the integrated light source and receiving light from the external light source. This dynamic positioning capability allows the user to easily switch between lighting modes without complex setup procedures, simply by moving the light guide interface to the appropriate position to receive light from either source.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed lighting system is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to switch between different lighting modes is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into two independent light sources (integrated and external) with a shared light guide that can be positioned to receive light from either source. The displaceable interface of the light guide acts as a switching mechanism, physically directing light from one source or the other to the optical instrument, thereby providing switching capability without requiring a complex electronic switching system.
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
Enables flexible switching between internal and external lighting systems, enhancing luminosity and wavelength options, and reducing mechanical stress on the light guide.
Implementation Method 1
the light guide (24) either is optically coupled to the light from the light source (14) present internally
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical instrument having a housing, wherein situated in the housing is a light source which is designed to generate a first light flux which exits at a first interface inside the housing, and a light supply which is designed to guide a second light flux from outside the housing into an interior of the housing and to allow said light flux to exit at a second interface inside the housing; wherein situated in the housing is a light guide which is designed to receive, either from the first interface or from the second interface, light at a first end via a third interface.