Bending Compensation for Multimode Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multimode waveguides face challenges in maintaining propagation characteristics when subjected to bending, limiting their flexibility, especially in applications like endoscopy, where precise compensation of bending is difficult and often requires complex mechanical systems.
Innovation Solution
A bending compensation device that maintains a constant bending angle along the waveguide by using a direction-changing mechanism and motion device, allowing the waveguide to move while preserving the same bending integrals, thus keeping relative propagation characteristics constant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the waveguide is made flexible to allow movement, then adaptability is improved, but the propagation characteristics change due to bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a bending compensation device that pre-establishes a counter-bending force. The device includes a bending compensation unit with a compensation waveguide that applies an opposite bending action to counteract the bending experienced by the imaging waveguide, thereby maintaining constant bending integrals and preserving propagation characteristics while allowing the waveguide to remain flexible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a separate bending compensation device as a mediator between the flexible waveguide and the imaging system. This compensation device acts as an intermediate element that absorbs and counteracts bending effects, allowing the imaging waveguide to move freely while maintaining stable propagation characteristics through the compensation mechanism
2Reliability
If a mechanical system is added to compensate bending, then propagation characteristics are maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the waveguide system into distinct functional segments: an imaging waveguide segment and a bending compensation segment. The compensation device is structured with multiple independent components including a compensation waveguide, guiding structures, and actuation mechanisms that work together in a modular fashion, making the complex system more manageable and controllable
3Productivity
If bending compensation is implemented, then imaging continuity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating sensors that continuously monitor the position and bending state of the waveguide. This feedback information is used by control mechanisms to dynamically adjust the compensation force applied by the bending compensation device, ensuring that propagation characteristics remain constant throughout movement without requiring manual recalibration, thus maintaining imaging continuity while simplifying operation
Data Source
AI summary
A bending compensation device for a waveguide, including a direction changing device configured to maintain a constant bending angle to the waveguide, a distal end of the waveguide having a first orientation, and the proximal end of the waveguide having a second orientation, and a motion device connected to the direction changing device, the motion device configured to move the direction changing device upon a movement of the waveguide.