Semiconductor Light Source Device With Inclined Coupler
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of integrating light source, light guide, and image capturing systems in optical products, such as endoscopes and microscopes, poses technical bottlenecks that hinder industrial development.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor light source device is developed, comprising a light guide, at least one semiconductor light source set, and a light transformation coupler with inclined and curved surfaces, which guides light from the semiconductor source to the guide, optimizing light transmission through diffraction or reflection, and a control unit for managing the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional light source system is integrated with light guide and image capturing system, then optical product functionality is enhanced, but system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, light guide, and image capturing system into an integrated optical system. The light guide is directly coupled to the semiconductor light source, and the image capturing system is positioned to receive light through the light guide, merging multiple functional subsystems into a unified structure that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits light from the semiconductor light source to the image capturing system, provides structural support for positioning components, and acts as a medium for optical coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If light is emitted directly from semiconductor source to light guide, then light transmission is simple, but light extraction efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light reflecting member as an intermediary component between the semiconductor light source and the light guide. This reflecting member redirects light that would otherwise be lost, directing it into the light guide for transmission. This intermediary element improves light extraction efficiency without significantly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the light guide by incorporating specific refractive index materials and designing particular geometric configurations (such as angled surfaces or textured interfaces). These parameter changes optimize the coupling between the semiconductor light source and light guide, improving light extraction efficiency while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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 enhances light extraction efficiency and addresses the complexity issues by ensuring the light emitted from the semiconductor source is within the reception range of the light guide, improving the overall performance of optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
optimizing light transmission through diffraction or reflection
Implementation Method 2
optimizing light transmission through diffraction or reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor light source device is provided. The semiconductor light source device includes a light guide, at least one semiconductor light source set and at least one light transformation coupler. The light transformation coupler is disposed between the semiconductor light source set and the light guide for guiding the light emitted from the semiconductor light source set to the light guide. The light transformation coupler has an inclined surface and a curved surface. The inclined surface is a multi-level inclined surface with several slopes.