Rotatable Plate Arrays for Homogeneous Ophthalmic Light Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic illumination systems face challenges in precisely controlling light intensity during surgery due to limitations in mechanical shutter devices, which can result in non-homogeneous light output at low levels, making it difficult to meet manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a pair of arrays of regularly spaced-apart parallel plates that are rotatable in a collimated beam path, allowing for precise control of light intensity by positioning the plates orthogonally to each other, enabling selective light attenuation and achieving a total light output equal to the square of the individual array's light passing percentage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If mechanical shutter devices are used to control light output, then light intensity control is achieved, but light output becomes non-homogeneous at low levels
Solution Approach 1:
The light attenuator is divided into two separate arrays, each containing multiple parallel plates. These segmented arrays independently attenuate light, and their combined effect produces homogeneous low-level light output that overcomes the limitations of single mechanical shutter devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second dimension of light attenuation by using two arrays of plates oriented perpendicular to each other. The first array attenuates light in one dimension, and the second array attenuates light in the perpendicular dimension, creating homogeneous two-dimensional attenuation that eliminates non-uniformity.
2Illumination intensity
If mechanical shutter devices are used to control light output, then light intensity control is achieved, but manufacturing tolerances become difficult to meet
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the light attenuation function across two arrays of plates, the patent reduces the precision requirements for each individual component. Each array can be manufactured with standard tolerances, and their combined effect achieves the required overall precision, making manufacturing tolerances easier to meet.
3Manufacturing precision
If two arrays of parallel plates are used to control light intensity, then homogeneous light output is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two light attenuation functions into a single integrated device. The two arrays of plates are combined in one light path, allowing homogeneous light output to be achieved within a compact structure that does not require separate attenuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-array light attenuator performs multiple functions: it provides homogeneous light attenuation, enables precise light intensity control, and maintains a compact form factor. This multi-functional design achieves high performance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 solution allows for precise control of light intensity, easier meeting of manufacturing tolerances, and ensures homogeneous light output at low levels, improving the reliability and accuracy of ophthalmic illumination systems.
Implementation Method 1
A light attenuator includes a pair of arrays positioned serially in a path for the collimated beam. Each array includes a plurality of regularly spaced-apart parallel plates, the parallel plates of one array being non-parallel to the plates of the other array.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
An ophthalmic illumination system (20) includes a collimated light beam focused onto an optical fiber (32) for transmission of the light beam to an ophthalmic light probe (36). A light attenuator (100) includes a pair of arrays (104a, 104b) positioned serially in a path for the collimated beam. The arrays are movable in parallel in the path about a rotational axis (116) orthogonal to the path and between the arrays. Each array includes a plurality of regularly spaced-apart parallel plates, the parallel plates of one array being non-parallel to the plates of the other array.