Thin Light Guide Jacket Reducing Outer Diameter for Endoscope Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light guides for endoscopes are difficult to insert due to their size and the presence of non-light conducting components like sheaths and ferrules, which increase the outer diameter and make them unsuitable for certain medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A light guide with a jacket that encloses the optical fibers, reducing the maximum outer lateral dimension by no more than 50 μm, allowing for a thinner and more flexible design that can be easily inserted into diagnostic or surgical devices, while maintaining biocompatibility and optical quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional light guides with sheaths and ferrules are used, then structural support and protection are provided, but the outer diameter increases making insertion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ferrule component from the light guide structure, retaining only the essential sheath that encloses the optical fibers. This extraction of the non-essential ferrule component directly reduces the outer diameter, enabling easier insertion into medical devices while maintaining the protective function through the sheath alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the sheath and ferrule into a single integrated sheath structure that provides both enclosure and mechanical support. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate ferrule components, reducing the overall outer diameter while maintaining structural integrity and protection.
2Ease of operation
If the light guide is made thinner for easier insertion, then insertion ease improves, but structural strength and protection decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-walled sheath made of flexible material that encloses the optical fibers. This thin film structure provides sufficient mechanical protection and structural support while maintaining a small outer diameter for easy insertion. The flexible nature of the sheath allows it to bend and conform without compromising the integrity of the enclosed optical fibers.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex components like ferrules are included, then structural support is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the ferrule component from the light guide assembly, retaining only the essential sheath structure. This simplification reduces device complexity and manufacturing steps while the sheath alone provides sufficient structural support through its encLOSING function around the optical fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it encloses and protects the optical fibers, provides structural support, and maintains the integrity of the light guide. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ferrule components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structural stability.
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
The solution enables the production of very thin, flexible light guides with high light intensity and efficiency, suitable for medical applications, reducing manufacturing costs and improving insertion ease without compromising biocompatibility or optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
a jacket enclosing the fibers and/or the fiber bundle at least partially or in sections thereof
Implementation Method 2
Light guide for transmitting electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
at least two optical fibers, the at least two optical fibers defining a fiber bundle
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide is provided that includes a fiber bundle, a jacket, a proximal end, a distal end, and a terminated end face. The fiber bundle has a plurality of optical fibers. The jacket encloses at least a part of the plurality of optical fibers and/or the fiber bundle. The jacket has a maximum outer lateral dimension that is greater than a maximum outer lateral dimension of the fiber bundle by at most 500 μm. The terminated end face is on the proximal end and/or the distal end. The terminated end face has a maximum lateral outer dimension that is not larger than the maximum outer lateral dimension of the jacket.