Wide-Angle Chandelier Illuminator With Ground Tapered Terminus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chandelier light instruments for eye surgery are limited by small size and dimensional constraints, leading to focused light distribution and potential scratching of the fiber optic end, necessitating manual manipulation for precise illumination during procedures like vitrectomy.
Innovation Solution
A chandelier instrument with an optical end featuring a base and a tapered terminus of predetermined dimensions and angle, ground to ensure a smooth, scratch-free surface for enhanced light distribution, allowing fixed placement during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a conventional chandelier light instrument with small gauge dimensions is used, then minimal invasiveness is achieved, but light distribution becomes focused and narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical geometry of the fiber optic end - specifically creating a tapered shape with a predetermined angle and length ratio. This geometric parameter transformation allows the same small-gauge fiber to distribute light over a wider angular range (exceeding 100 degrees) while maintaining minimal invasiveness.
2Illumination intensity
If the fiber optic end is cut by a cutting instrument to create a taper, then light distribution is improved, but the surface becomes scratched and compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting system with a grinding system. Instead of using a cutting instrument that creates scratches and surface damage, the fiber optic end is ground to create the tapered shape. This substitution of the manufacturing mechanism eliminates surface scratching while achieving the desired geometric taper for improved light distribution.
3Ease of operation
If a prepositioned chandelier instrument is immobilized by a cannula, then the surgeon's hands are freed for manipulating tools, but manual control over light direction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter of light emission by creating a tapered fiber optic end with a specific angle and length ratio. This geometric modification causes light to emit in a wide angle pattern (exceeding 100 degrees) that naturally illuminates the entire surgical field, eliminating the need for manual repositioning while maintaining effective light distribution.
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 instrument provides wide beam spread angles exceeding 100°, ensuring uniform illumination without manual repositioning, enhancing surgical visibility and safety by maintaining light distribution across the eye interior.
Implementation Method 1
the surface of the terminus is uniquely ground with substantially scratch-free and uniform light scattering characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument to facilitate hands-free illumination of an eye for a surgical procedure. The instrument includes an optical end of unique architecture and surfacing such that the instrument may be left immobile while sufficiently illuminating an eye interior with greater than 100° of wide beam spread angle provided. Further, the grind surfacing provided to the end cone of the optical end provides enhanced light distribution.