Varying Cross-Section Light Guide for Endoscope Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes require larger optical fibers to maintain sufficient light intensity, which increases the diameter of the insertion tube and leads to light attenuation, limiting their application and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A light-guiding structure with a first portion extending in a single cross section and a second portion in a varying cross section, connected to the first portion, allowing for a reduced outer diameter of the insertion tube and shorter light travel path, reducing light attenuation and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the outer diameter of optical fiber is increased to maintain sufficient light intensity, then the light intensity at the end of insertion tube is improved, but the outer diameter of insertion tube increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear light transmission through optical fiber to a multi-dimensional light guiding path using a light guide plate with varying cross-section. The light guide plate extends in the lengthwise direction with cross-sectional dimensions that vary along its length, allowing light to travel through a shorter effective path while distributing illumination across a two-dimensional surface area, thereby reducing the required outer diameter of the insertion tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the light guiding structure by defining a light guide plate with a varying cross-section along its length. The cross-sectional dimensions (width and thickness) are specifically designed to change along the lengthwise direction, optimizing light distribution and reducing the overall diameter requirements while maintaining sufficient illumination intensity at the target location.
2Loss of energy
If the diameter of optical fiber is increased to reduce light attenuation in longer insertion tubes, then the light transmission efficiency is improved, but the outer diameter of insertion tube increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate structure changes the light transmission from a confined one-dimensional optical fiber path to a multi-dimensional plate structure with varying cross-section. This allows light to travel through a shorter effective path length while the varying cross-section optimizes light distribution, reducing attenuation without increasing the outer diameter of the insertion tube.
3Length of stationary object
If the length of optical fiber is increased to reach longer insertion tubes, then the coverage range is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding structure is segmented into a light source unit positioned at one end of the insertion tube and a light guide plate that extends along the insertion tube. This segmentation allows the light source to be placed locally at the end of the insertion tube rather than requiring long optical fibers to transmit light from a remote source, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate illumination coverage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the outer diameter of insertion tube is reduced to improve flexibility and scope of application, then the adaptability is improved, but the light intensity at the end decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide plate utilizes a varying cross-section design that optimizes light distribution across its surface area. By changing from a one-dimensional optical fiber to a two-dimensional plate structure, the system can maintain sufficient illumination intensity while reducing the outer diameter, thereby improving flexibility and scope of application.
Solution Approach 2:
The varying cross-sectional parameters of the light guide plate along its length are optimized to maintain adequate light intensity while minimizing the outer diameter. This parameter optimization allows the insertion tube to be more flexible and adaptable to different applications without sacrificing illumination performance.
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 light-guiding structure effectively reduces the diameter of the endoscope insertion tube, lowers light attenuation, and decreases the power needed for illumination, enhancing the scope of application while reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A light source 166 can be disposed relatively close to the insertion tube end 14b, so the outer diameter of the insertion tube 14 of the endoscope 1 can be reduced. Light emitted by the light source 166 is guided by the light-guiding structure 168 to smoothly emit from the insertion tube end 14b
Data Source
AI summary
A light-guiding structure according to the invention is used in an endoscope for guiding light along a lengthwise direction and includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends in a single cross section along the lengthwise direction. The second portion extends in a varying cross section along the lengthwise direction and is connected to an end of the first portion in the lengthwise direction. An endoscope tip includes a circuit board, an image-capturing component, a light-emitting component, and the light-guiding structure. The light-guiding structure can fit the contours of the circuit board and the image-capturing component to increase space usage for obtaining more cross-sectional area. For the production of the light-guiding structure, the second portion is formed by shaping a portion directly extending form the end of the first portion or by an additional material directly bonded to the end of the first portion by molding.