Optical Path Changing Member for Safe Lateral Light Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light irradiation devices inserted into biological lumens face safety issues due to the need for sharp optical elements that can cause air embolism and blood coagulation, and they fail to emit light in directions intersecting the central axis, posing risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A light irradiation device with an optical path changing member having inclined boundary surfaces formed by proximal and distal side members with different refractive indices, allowing light to be emitted in directions intersecting the central axis without bending the optical fiber, thus preventing air embolism and blood coagulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sharp optical elements are used to change light direction, then light can be emitted in directions intersecting the central axis, but air embolism and blood coagulation occur causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path changing member is divided into multiple segments (first optical path changing member and second optical path changing member) connected in series. Each segment contains refractive index variation portions that gradually change the light propagation direction. This segmentation allows light to be redirected without requiring sharp single-point optical elements, thereby avoiding air embolism and blood coagulation while achieving the desired light emission direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes gradual parameter changes in the refractive index within the optical path changing member. The refractive index varies continuously or in steps along the light propagation path, enabling smooth redirection of light without sharp angles. This parameter change approach replaces sharp optical elements with gradual index modulation, solving the safety issue while maintaining light direction control.
2Ease of operation
If optical fiber is bent to emit light laterally, then light can be emitted in directions intersecting the central axis, but light transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical bending of the optical fiber with an optical field-based solution. Instead of physically deforming the fiber to change light direction, the patent uses refractive index variation portions within the optical path changing member to redirect light through optical principles (refraction). This substitution maintains the optical fiber's straight configuration, preserving light transmission efficiency while achieving lateral light emission.
3Manufacturing precision
If sharp optical elements are used to change optical path, then light direction can be controlled, but device safety is compromised due to air embolism risks
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path changing member is segmented into multiple sections with incremental refractive index changes. This segmentation provides precise optical path control through distributed refraction events rather than a single sharp element. The segmented structure maintains device safety by eliminating sharp optical elements that cause air embolism, while achieving the required optical path precision through cumulative angular deviations.
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 device ensures safe light emission by preventing air embolism and blood coagulation, improving safety and flexibility, and enhancing light transmission efficiency by using inclined boundary surfaces for optical path change.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path changing member 20 for changing an optical path of light entered from the optical fiber 80... a proximal side member 21 and a distal side member 22... having different refractive indices... to change an optical path of the light transmitted from the optical fiber 80
Data Source
AI summary
A light irradiation device including an optical fiber and a light transmissive optical path changing member for changing an optical path of light entering from the optical fiber, disposed on a distal side relative to the optical fiber. The optical path changing member includes a proximal side member disposed on a proximal side of the optical path changing member and a distal side member disposed on a distal side of the optical path changing member. The proximal side member and the distal side member are in contact with each other to form a boundary surface, and the boundary surface is inclined relative to a vertical plane of a central axis of the optical fiber.