Tapered Optical Waveguide for Wide Field of View Endoscope
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning-type endoscope devices face limitations in achieving a wide observation field of view due to restricted light-receiving angles and observation depth, which restricts the ability to effectively scan and image subjects.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope device incorporates a tapered optical waveguide section at the distal end, inclined towards the optical axis of spherical lenses, expanding the light-receiving angles and observation field of view by ensuring the optical waveguide and illumination system have wider angles, allowing for efficient scanning and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a conventional optical waveguide configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the observation field of view and light-receiving angles are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide is designed with an asymmetric tapered structure where the distal end has a smaller diameter than the proximal end. This asymmetric geometry enables the waveguide to accept light from a wider angular range at the distal end while maintaining a compact structure, thereby expanding the observation field of view without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide transitions from a uniform cylindrical structure to a tapered structure that varies in diameter along its length. This dimensional change in the radial direction enables the waveguide to capture light from broader angles at the distal end, effectively expanding the observation field of view while maintaining structural compactness.
2Area of moving object
If the optical waveguide is made with wider light-receiving angles, then the observation field expands, but the alignment with spherical lenses becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide is designed with different diameters at different locations along its length. Specifically, the distal end has a smaller diameter that is carefully aligned with the spherical lenses, while the proximal end has a larger diameter to accept light from broader angles. This local variation in dimensions enables both wide light-receiving angles and precise alignment at critical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide is segmented into distinct functional zones: a distal section with smaller diameter for precise alignment with spherical lenses, and a proximal section with larger diameter for wide-angle light reception. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its function independently, resolving the conflict between alignment precision and light-receiving capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical waveguide is inclined toward the optical axis, then light-receiving angles expand, but the structural simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide incorporates a tapered configuration that creates a curved transition in the light path from the distal end to the proximal end. This curved geometry naturally guides light rays from broader angles into the waveguide while maintaining a smooth, continuous structure that is relatively simple to manufacture, thus expanding light-receiving angles without excessive structural 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 configuration enables a wider observation field of view and expanded light-receiving ranges, enhancing the imaging capabilities of the endoscope device by aligning the optical waveguide and spherical lenses for improved assembly and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide (5) that extends from the distal-end section (2a) to the proximal-end section (2b), that receives observation light coming from the subject, and that guides the observation light
Implementation Method 2
a spherical lens that is disposed in the distal-end section and that radiates the illumination light guided by the light-guide optical system onto a subject
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a scanning endoscope including: an insertion portion that has a distal-end section and a proximal-end section; a light-guide optical system that guides illumination light toward the distal-end section; a spherical lens that is disposed in the distal-end section and that radiates the illumination light guided by the light-guide optical system onto a subject; an optical waveguide that extends from the distal-end section to the proximal-end section, that receives observation light coming from the subject, and that guides the observation light; and a light detector that detects the observation light guided by the optical waveguide, wherein the optical waveguide is inclined, at the distal-end section, in such a direction as to approach an optical axis of the spherical lens toward a distal end.