Optical Probe Reflector for Compact Sideward Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical probes face challenges in changing the direction of a laser beam from a parallel to a sideward direction, particularly when inserted into a blood vessel, due to size constraints and difficulties in manufacturing complex configurations that can stabilize the beam's direction.
Innovation Solution
The optical probe incorporates a holder member with a traveling direction changing unit, such as a reflector or diffraction grating, mounted on the distal end of the optical fiber to redirect the beam sideward, using materials like glass, resin, or ceramic, and employing techniques like vapor deposition to create a reflecting surface inclined at approximately 45 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complicated configuration is adopted to change the beam traveling direction, then the beam direction can be changed to sideward, but the device size becomes too large to be inserted into the body
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is integrated with the holder member to form a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall probe size while maintaining beam direction control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The holder member serves dual functions: mechanically supporting the optical fiber and providing a mounting surface for the reflector, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed in the probe
2Ease of operation
If a complicated configuration is adopted to change the beam traveling direction, then the beam direction can be changed to sideward, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector and holder member are designed as an integrated unit that can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled component, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is divided into distinct functional modules (holder member, reflector, optical fiber interface) that can be manufactured separately and then easily assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity
3Ease of operation
If a reflecting member is used to change the beam direction, then the beam can be oriented toward the wall surface, but the reflecting member rotates in the hollow hole and the rotation direction cannot be fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is structurally integrated with the holder member through direct joining or monolithic construction, eliminating the hollow hole configuration that allowed rotation and ensuring fixed positional stability
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is pre-positioned and fixed to the holder member during manufacturing with precise orientation, ensuring the beam direction is correctly set before insertion into the body, preventing any rotation during use
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
This configuration allows for a simple, compact design that effectively changes the laser beam direction by approximately 90 degrees, maintaining a small probe size and facilitating easy manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
the traveling direction changing unit is a reflector that is joined to a part of a surface of the holder member and reflects the output beam
Implementation Method 2
the traveling direction changing unit is a diffraction grating that is arranged on the holder member and diffracts the output beam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
To provide an optical probe capable of changing a traveling direction of an output beam to a sideward direction. The optical probe includes an optical fiber that outputs a beam from a distal end thereof, and a traveling direction changing unit that changes a traveling direction of the output beam to a sideward direction with respect to the optical fiber. The optical probe includes a holder member that is mounted on a distal end side of the optical fiber and holds the optical fiber, and the traveling direction changing unit may be a reflector that is arranged on the holder member and that reflects output beam.