Wide-Angle Chandelier Illuminator With Scratch-Free Tapered Tip
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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.
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 for a wide beam spread angle exceeding 100° without manual repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the chandelier light instrument is made smaller to be less invasive, then the invasiveness is reduced, but the 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 base diameter of 0.375-0.425mm and a terminus diameter of 0.15-0.25mm over a length of 0.7-0.85mm. This geometric parameter transformation allows the light to spread over a wider angular range (exceeding 100 degrees) while maintaining the small overall size of the instrument for minimal invasiveness.
2Illumination intensity
If the fiber optic end is cut to create a taper for improved light distribution, then the light distribution is enhanced, but the surface becomes scratched and compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical cutting process with a grinding process to form the tapered terminus. This substitution of the manufacturing mechanism eliminates the scratching and surface compromise associated with cutting, while still achieving the desired tapered geometry for wide-angle light distribution. The grinding process produces a smooth, scratch-free surface that maintains optical quality.
3Measurement precision
If the surgeon manually manipulates the light instrument to direct light precisely, then the illumination precision is improved, but the surgeon's hands are occupied and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the chandelier light instrument through a cannula at the pars plana before the surgical procedure begins. The instrument is bent into a stable configuration that maintains precise illumination of the surgical field throughout the procedure. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for continuous manual manipulation during surgery, freeing both of the surgeon's hands for other tasks while maintaining consistent, precise light direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing the light instrument with a stable, self-retaining configuration once positioned. The instrument maintains its orientation and light direction automatically through its structural design and positioning mechanism, without requiring continuous active control by the surgeon. This self-maintaining property allows the surgeon to perform other tasks simultaneously while the illumination remains precisely directed.
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 stable, uniform illumination throughout the eye, optimizing visualization and freeing the surgeon's hands for other tasks, while avoiding damage to delicate eye structures.
Implementation Method 1
the surface of the terminus is uniquely ground with substantially scratch-free and uniform light scattering characteristics
Data Source
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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.