Planar Coil Frame for Miniaturized Optical Fiber Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber scanning apparatuses face challenges in reducing the diameter of the distal end portion to enhance minimally invasive capabilities, particularly in optical scanning type endoscopes, where the integration of a magnetic field generation unit and a permanent magnet within a compact frame body is necessary for effective scanning while maintaining accurate and efficient light irradiation.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber scanning apparatus features a frame body with a hollow portion having a square cross-section, where planar coils are disposed on orthogonal surfaces, allowing for the precise arrangement and bonding of magnetic field generation units, enabling thin-walled construction and miniaturization. This configuration includes a first frame body with coils on one set of orthogonal surfaces and a second frame body with coils on another set, forming the inner surfaces of the hollow portion, facilitating the placement of an optical fiber and a permanent magnet for two-dimensional scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional winding coils are used in the magnetic field generation unit, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the diameter of the distal end portion becomes too large for minimally invasive applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical winding coil structure with a planar coil structure that is formed by depositing conductive material patterns on a substrate. This substitution eliminates the need for manual winding operations while achieving a more compact form factor suitable for minimally invasive endoscopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional winding coil structure to a two-dimensional planar coil structure. This dimensional reduction allows the magnetic field generation unit to be significantly smaller in volume while maintaining the necessary magnetic field generation capability, enabling insertion into narrow body passages.
2Volume of moving object
If the frame body is miniaturized to reduce invasiveness, then the distal end portion diameter is reduced, but the magnetic field strength and structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures in the frame body, combining materials with different properties to achieve both miniaturization and strength retention. The frame body integrates magnetic shielding materials and structurally optimized composite layers that maintain mechanical strength and magnetic flux density despite reduced overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by concentrating magnetic flux in specific regions where it is most needed for scanning performance. The frame body design includes localized magnetic field concentration features that ensure adequate magnetic flux density at critical positions even when the overall frame size is reduced for minimally invasive applications.
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 design achieves a smaller diameter for the optical fiber scanning apparatus, allowing for highly accurate scan irradiation and reduced invasiveness, while maintaining the strength and magnetic flux necessary for effective scanning, thus enhancing the imaging capabilities of optical scanning type endoscopes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber scanning apparatus for which an optical fiber which is configured to emit illumination light from a distal end portion and to which a permanent magnet is disposed is arranged in a hollow portion where a magnetic field generation unit is disposed
Implementation Method 2
a first frame body for which planar coils are disposed respectively on a first surface and a second surface that are orthogonal to each other; and a second frame body for which planar coils are disposed respectively on a third surface and a fourth surface that are orthogonal to each other
Data Source
AI summary
In an optical fiber scanning apparatus, an optical fiber to which a permanent magnet is disposed and which is configured to emit illumination light from a distal end portion is arranged in a hollow portion where a magnetic field generation unit is disposed of a frame body, the frame body for which a cross section of the hollow portion is a square includes a first frame body for which planar coils are disposed respectively on a first surface and a second surface that are orthogonal to each other, and a second frame body for which planar coils are disposed respectively on a third surface and a fourth surface that are orthogonal to each other, and which is bonded with the first frame body, and the first surface to the fourth surface configure inner surfaces of the hollow portion.