Semireflective Surface Light Diffusing Element for Endoscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light diffusing elements for endoscopes fail to ensure that light reaches portions of the diffusing element away from the optical axis of the optical fiber, limiting the effective light distribution and safety when using high-power laser light sources.
Innovation Solution
A light diffusing element with a semireflective surface that reflects a portion of the light rearward, intersecting with the optical axis of the optical fiber, and a totally reflective film to redirect the reflected light frontward, increasing the light distribution area beyond the optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the two dimensional size of the light diffusing element is increased to be larger than the output end of the optical fiber, then the light emitting surface area is increased, but light cannot reach parts of the light diffusing element away from the optical axis of the optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a semireflective surface at a predetermined position within the light diffusing element before light reaches the output end. This semireflective surface pre-reflects a portion of the light rearward toward the optical axis, ensuring that light is redirected to reach peripheral areas of the light diffusing element that would otherwise remain dark. This preliminary reflection action solves the problem of incomplete light coverage in oversized diffusing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The semireflective surface acts as an intermediary element between the optical fiber and the light diffusing element. It mediates the light propagation by selectively reflecting a portion of the light rearward, creating an intermediate light path that enables light to reach peripheral areas. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled light redistribution function that neither the optical fiber alone nor the light diffusing element can achieve independently.
2Power
If a laser light source is used for illumination, then the power density is high, but the safety risk to human bodies increases due to high power density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transforming the light source from a one-dimensional optical fiber output into a two-dimensional light emitting surface through the light diffusing element. The semireflective surface further contributes to this dimensional transformation by reflecting light rearward and redistributing it across the diffusing element area. This dimensional expansion reduces power density while maintaining total illumination power, thereby resolving the safety contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of light propagation by introducing a semireflective surface that alters the light path direction and distribution. This parameter change affects the spatial distribution of light intensity, converting concentrated high-power-density light into distributed lower-power-density illumination across a larger area, thus reducing safety risks while preserving illumination effectiveness.
3Volume of moving object
If the light diffusing element is miniaturized for improved operability, then the device size is reduced, but the light emitting surface area becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the semireflective surface within the internal structure of the light diffusing element at a predetermined position. This nested configuration allows the semireflective surface to occupy space within the existing light guide volume without increasing the overall device size. The semireflective surface is positioned to intersect with the optical axis, enabling it to function within the compact structure while still achieving light redistribution to enhance the effective light emitting area.
4Quantity of substance
If the semireflective surface is positioned away from the optical axis, then more light can be reflected, but light cannot reach the peripheral portions of the light diffusing element
Solution Approach 1:
The semireflective surface is positioned at a predetermined location within the light diffusing element to perform preliminary reflection of light rearward toward the optical axis. This preliminary action ensures that light is redirected before reaching the output end, enabling peripheral areas to receive adequate illumination. The positioning balances the quantity of reflected light with the need to cover the entire light emitting surface area.
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 light to propagate and reach areas further from the optical axis, enhancing the light distribution and safety by increasing the light emitting area, thereby improving the illumination of body cavities during endoscope procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a semireflective surface for reflecting a portion of the light, provided at a predetermined portion of the light diffusing element corresponding to the core of the output facet, the semireflective surface intersecting at least with the optical axis of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
Light diffusing element that diffuses light output from an optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A light diffusing element diffuses light output from an output facet of an optical fiber that enters the light diffusing element at a first end and outputting the diffused light from a second end. The light diffusing element is equipped with a semireflective surface for reflecting a portion of the light, provided at a predetermined portion of the light diffusing element corresponding to the core of the output facet. The semireflective surface intersects at least with the optical axis of the optical fiber. Thereby, propagation of light in directions away from the optical axis of the optical fiber can be promoted during the step of reflecting the portion of the light that enters the light diffusing element.