Damper and surgical imaging device
The integration of a damper system with a central deformable layer and outer elastic layers into surgical imaging devices addresses the issue of mechanical stress and vibrations, ensuring quick stabilization and minimizing downtime during surgical procedures.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024160762
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-09-19
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-01
AI Technical Summary
Surgical imaging devices in the operating room face significant mechanical stress and vibrations due to accidental impacts during surgical procedures, which disrupt optimal imaging data acquisition and require the device to return to a stable state before use can resume.
A damper system is integrated into the surgical imaging device, comprising a stack of layers with a central deformable layer and outer layers that elastically deform in response to mechanical impacts. This configuration allows for shear deformation of the central layer, which helps to stabilize the device by reversing the deformation and returning the device to its original state.
The damper system effectively attenuates mechanical impacts and vibrations, allowing the surgical imaging device to quickly return to a stable state after an impact, thereby minimizing downtime and enabling immediate or rapid resumption of surgical procedures.
Smart Images
Figure 2025044167000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a damper for a surgical imaging device and a surgical imaging device. [Background technology]
[0002] In the operating room, surgical imaging devices such as surgical microscopes are exposed to different shocks during their use, especially during surgery. Besides chemical stresses caused by spills of fluids or chemicals, surgical imaging devices also have components that cause slight vibrations of the surgical imaging device, such as fans for cooling electronics or ventilation systems for drape suction. Usually, these vibrations can be overcome by image stabilization mechanisms.
[0003] However, significant mechanical stress may be applied, either intentionally or unintentionally, by the user during operation of the surgical imaging device. For example, the user may accidentally bump into components of the surgical imaging device when moving around during a surgical procedure. These impacts may lead to significant or even violent vibrations of the surgical imaging device. This may prevent the user from obtaining optimal imaging data from the surgical site until the surgical imaging device returns to a stable state. The user must wait until the surgical imaging device returns to a stable state before the user can use the surgical imaging device again for the intended surgical procedure.
[0004] Therefore, additional efforts are needed to address the mechanical stresses imposed on surgical imaging devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] There is a need for improved concepts for attenuating the mechanical shocks applied to surgical imaging devices. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] This need is addressed by the subject matter of the independent claims.
[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a damper for a surgical imaging device. The damper comprises a stack of layers including a first outer layer, a central layer, and a second outer layer. The layers are coupled together to form a base portion of the damper. The first outer layer further forms a first end of the damper configured to be connected to a stand of the surgical imaging device, and the second outer layer further forms a second end of the damper configured to be connected to a base of the surgical imaging device. The damper is configured to elastically deform in response to a compressive or tensile force applied to one of the ends such that the central layer elastically deforms but the outer layer does not. Application of a force to the first end causes a displacement of the first outer layer relative to the second outer layer, thereby inducing a shear deformation of the central layer.
[0008] The damper is configured to be assembled in the surgical imaging device such that the base and the stand are connected to one of the ends of the damper, such that a movement of the stand and / or the base acts on the damper, resulting in a shear deformation of the damper. This movement may be caused by a mechanical impact on the surgical imaging device. This may occur, for example, when a user accidentally bumps into a member of the surgical imaging device during a medical procedure. Such a member may be an arm of the surgical imaging device or an image acquisition device carrier, such as an optical system carrier or a camera. These impacts may thus be transmitted through the surgical imaging device, since the respective members, the stand and the base are mechanically linked. This may result in a movement of the stand and / or the base causing a pushing or pulling force acting on at least one of the ends of the damper. As a result, the damper shears, which changes the shape of the central layer but not the outer layer. It is understood that shear deformation includes shearing and shear return of the damper. In this context, shear return is the spontaneous return of the damper to its undeformed state after deformation or shearing of the damper. By returning to the undeformed state, not only is the deformation of the damper reversed, but also the motion of the stand and / or base connected to the end of the damper is reversed. Thus, the damper contributes to returning the surgical imaging device to a stable state following an impact. This improves the use performance of the surgical imaging device during a medical procedure, since the user can operate the surgical imaging device immediately or at least quickly after an impact occurs.
[0009] Further embodiments of the present disclosure provide a surgical imaging apparatus comprising a stand, a base and a damper.
[0010] The surgical imaging device may be a surgical microscope arranged in an operating room. The surgical imaging device may further comprise an arm and an optical system carrier or an image acquisition device carrier, such as a camera. During a surgical procedure, a medical professional, such as a surgeon or an operating assistant, may move around the surgical imaging device and accidentally bump into one of the above-mentioned components of the surgical imaging device, which causes a mechanical shock. This exerts a pushing or pulling force on the respective component. This force is then transmitted through the surgical imaging device. Finally, the pushing or pulling force is also transmitted to the damper, which is connected by its ends to the stand and the base. Due to the shearing of the damper in response to the force and the subsequent spontaneous shear return, the damper contributes to returning the surgical imaging device to a stable state after such a shock occurs.
[0011] Some embodiments of the apparatus and / or methods will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]
[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view that illustrates a schematic of a damper according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view that illustrates the damper illustrated in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the damper shown in the previous figure in a deformed state; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view that illustrates the damper illustrated in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a surgical imaging device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the surgical imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 5 with the damper shown in the previous figure. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is another schematic perspective view of the damper shown in the previous figure assembled within the surgical imaging device shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a damper in a surgical imaging apparatus such as that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. [Figure 9] 8 is another cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic of a damper in a surgical imaging apparatus such as that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic of a surgical imaging device together with the damper shown in the previous figure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] A surgical imaging device 500, such as a surgical microscope (shown in FIG. 5), may be used in an operating room during a medical procedure. This may cause a user of the surgical imaging device 500, such as a surgeon or an assistant surgeon, to accidentally bump into components of the surgical imaging device 500. These components of the surgical imaging device 500 may include an arm 502, an optical system carrier or an image acquisition device carrier such as a camera 504, a stand 506, and a base 508. Due to this mechanical connection, bumping into one of the above-mentioned components results in the transmission of an applied force through the surgical imaging device 500. To dampen vibrations or movements of the surgical imaging device 500 caused by the transmitted forces, the surgical imaging device 500 may further include a damper 100 as further described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 et seq.
[0014] Figures 1-4 show perspective views of a damper 100 according to one embodiment. Figures 1 and 2 show the damper 100 in an undeformed (rest or initial) state, while Figures 3 and 4 show the damper 100 in a deformed state.
[0015] The damper 100 comprises a stack of layers 102, 104, 106. The stack comprises a first outer layer 102, a central layer 104, and a second outer layer 106. The layers 102, 104, 106 are connected together to form a base portion 108 of the damper 100. The connection of the layers 102, 104, 106 can be achieved by material or form-fitting connections known to those skilled in the art. The first outer layer 102 further forms a first end 110 of the damper 100 configured to be connected to a stand 506 of the surgical imaging device 500 (as shown in FIG. 5 et seq.). The second outer layer 106 further forms a second end 112 of the damper 100 configured to be connected to a base 508 of the surgical imaging device 500 (as shown in FIG. 5 et seq.). With this connection, compressive or tensile forces applied to the stand 506 and / or base 508 are transmitted through the ends 110, 112 and therefore act on the damper 100. The damper 100 is configured to elastically deform in response to the compressive or tensile forces such that the central layer 104 elastically deforms but the outer layers 102, 106 do not elastically deform.
[0016] In a resting state (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the damper 100 and its central layer 104 remain undeformed as no or substantially no force is applied to the ends 110, 112. However, if the surgical imaging device 500 is subjected to a mechanical shock, for example by a user striking a member of the surgical imaging device 500, movement of the stand 506 and / or base 508 may occur. The connection between the damper 100 and the stand 506 and base 508 creates a pushing or pulling force at the ends 110, 112. Application of such a force to the first end 110 causes a displacement of the first outer layer 102 relative to the second outer layer 106, which induces a shear deformation of the central layer 104 (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) (the dashed arrows indicate the deformation). To remain undeformed, the outer layers 102, 106 may be made of sheet metal. The central layer 104 may be made of a deformable elastomer, preferably polyurethane. The deformation may occur in the direction of the force, which allows the central layer 104 to shear coaxially with respect to the displacement of the first end 110. In other embodiments, other materials may be selected for the central layer 104 and / or the outer layers 102, 106. The outer layers 102, 106 may be configured not to deform or not to deform significantly, or at least to deform less in response to the force than the central layer 104 is deformed.
[0017] Thus, the displacement of the first outer layer 102 relative to the second outer layer 106 may be limited to 2 mm. Such displacement of up to 2 mm may translate into a maximum movement of a member of the surgical imaging device of about 20 mm in the direction of the force. Such members may be the arm 502 and / or the image acquisition device carrier 504 of the surgical imaging device 500, e.g., a camera, an optics carrier, etc. Thus, in a scenario where the arm and / or the image acquisition device carrier 504 of the surgical imaging device 500 are (accidentally) bumped by a user, typically displacing 2-3 mm, the resulting displacement of the damper 100 would be in the range of 0.2-0.3 mm. However, it is understood that the displacement of the damper 100 and the associated displacement of the member of the surgical imaging device 500 are not limited to a 1:10 ratio, and may include other ratios from the present disclosure in other embodiments.
[0018] Furthermore, the central layer 104 is configured to shear back following shear deformation, thereby allowing it to return from a deformed state equivalent to the shear state of the damper 100 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) to an undeformed state equivalent to the unsheared state of the damper 100 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In a sheared or undeformed state, the displacement of the outer layers 102, 106 may be 0 mm or near 0 mm. The central layer 104 may repeatedly shear and shear back in response to repeated pushing or pulling forces applied to the ends 110, 112. Shear back may occur spontaneously after shearing of the central layer 104 due to the material properties of the central layer 104. Thus, the use of an elastic material such as polyurethane or a material with similar properties may be preferred for the central layer 104. The return of the damper 100 to its sheared, undeformed state allows the damper 100 to act on the stand 506 and / or base 508 of the surgical imaging device 500, allowing the surgical imaging device 500 to return to a stable state after an impact that deforms the damper occurs. This return of the surgical imaging device 500 to a stable state may occur in as little as one to a few seconds after the impact, and with only a few or no additional cycles of reciprocation of the respective components 502, 504, stand 506 and / or base 508 of the surgical imaging device 500. This allows the surgical imaging device 500 to be immediately or quickly used again after an impact occurs.
[0019] 6 shows a perspective view of the damper 100 assembled in a surgical imaging device 500. The surgical imaging device 500 may include a fixing element 510 for fixing the first end 110 of the damper 100 to a housing 512 of a stand 506 of the surgical imaging device 500. The surgical imaging device 500 may further include another fixing element 514 for fixing the second end 112 of the damper 100 to a connector portion 516 of a base 508 of the surgical imaging device 500, the connector portion 516 being configured to connect the base 508 to the stand 506. The surgical imaging device 500 may further include an axis 518 configured to movably connect the first end 110 and the second end 112, such that both ends 110, 112 extend from the same side 114 of the base portion 108 of the damper 100. The second end 112 is configured to be movably connected to the first end 110. Movement of the ends 110, 112 may occur along an axis 518 in the direction of the force. The fixing elements 510, 514 may be attached to the ends 110, 112 by mechanical means such as screws 520 or bolted connections 522 that may engage with the respective openings 116 of the ends 110, 112 (see also Figures 1 and 3). This allows the damper 100 to be easily assembled inside the surgical imaging device 500.
[0020] The surgical imaging apparatus 500 may further comprise an image acquisition device carrier 504 (see FIG. 5), such as a camera and / or optics carrier, and an arm 502 (see FIG. 5). The damper 100 is thus configured to elastically deform coaxially against a force applied to the image acquisition device carrier 504 and / or the arm 502. This force may be caused by a mechanical shock, such as a user (accidentally) bumping into the image acquisition device carrier 504 and / or the arm 502. Since the image acquisition device carrier 504, the arm 502, the stand 506 and the base 508 are mechanically coupled, this force is then transmitted through the surgical imaging apparatus 500. Thus, an impact on the image acquisition device carrier 504 and / or the arm 502 is ultimately transmitted to the damper 100, which is connected by its ends 110, 112 to the stand 506 and the base 508.
[0021] 7 shows another perspective view of the damper 100 in relation to a surgical imaging device 500. A fixing element 510 is positioned at the first end 110 and another fixing element 514 is positioned at the second end 112, where an axis 518 connects the ends 110, 112. This allows movement of the ends 110, 112 along the axis 518 in the direction of the force.
[0022] 8 and 9 show schematic cross-sectional views of the damper 100, with FIG. 8 showing a cross-sectional view from above and FIG. 9 showing a cross-sectional view from the side. The cutting plane is located at the center of the axis 518 (shown by a dashed line in FIGS. 8 and 9). In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 110 is configured to be fixed to the stand 506 by a fixing element 510. The second end 112 is configured to be fixed to the base 508 by another fixing element 514. The second end 112 is further configured to be assembled on the axis 518, where the axis 518 is configured to engage with the fixing element 510 such that during deformation the first end 110 is displaced along the axis 518, whereby the first outer layer 102 is displaced in the direction of the force. The fixing element 510 is attached to the end 110 by two screws 520. The further fixing element 514 is attached to the second end 112 by a bolted connection 522 along the axis 518. In other embodiments, the same or other fixing means known to those skilled in the art can be utilized to attach the fixing element 510, 514 to the ends 110, 112. The fixing element 510 can include a cavity 524. The cavity 524 can allow for at least partial accommodation of the further fixing element 514 and / or the member 526 of the bolted connection 522 when the first end 110 is displaced along the axis 518 towards the second end 112. This achieves a compact arrangement of the damper 100 within the surgical imaging device 500. Furthermore, the axis 518 can include a mechanical stop 528. The mechanical stop 528 is positioned opposite the second end 112 and the fixing element 510, 514. The mechanical stop 528 thereby limits the displacement of the first end 110 along the axis 518. In the illustrated embodiment, the displacement may be limited such that the outer layers 102, 106 are limited to a maximum of 2 mm. In other embodiments, other limits on displacement, and thus other locations of the mechanical stop 528 on the axis 518, may be used. The use of the mechanical stop 528 may prevent excessive shearing of the central layer 104, and thereby damage to the damper 100.
[0023] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the surgical imaging device 500. The cutting plane is centered on the axis 518 (similar to FIG. 8). In this embodiment, a fixing element 510 fixes the first end 110 of the damper 100 to a housing 512 of a stand 506. The housing 512 thus comprises a compartment 530 for accommodating the damper 100. Another fixing element 514 fixes the second end 112 of the damper 100 to a connector portion 516 of a base 508. The connector portion 516 is configured to connect the base 508 to the stand 506. Movement of the stand 506 and / or the base 508 exerts a pushing or pulling force on at least one of the ends 110, 112 of the damper 100, thus resulting in a deformation of the damper 100.
[0024] As used in this specification, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as " / ".
[0025] Although some aspects have been described in the context of an apparatus, it will be apparent that these aspects also represent a description of a corresponding method, where a block or apparatus corresponds to a step or feature of a step, and similarly, aspects described in the context of a step also represent a description of a corresponding block or item or feature of a corresponding apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]
[0026] 100 Damper 102 Outer layer 104 Central layer 106 Outer layer 108 Base part 110 First end 112 Second end 114 Side 116 Aperture 500 Surgical Imaging Devices 502 Arm 504 Image acquisition device carrier 506 Stand 508 Base 510 Fixed elements 512 Housing 514 Fixed elements 516 Connector part 518 Axis 520 Screw 522 Bolt Connection 524 Cavity 526 Parts 528 Mechanical Stopper 530 plots
Claims
1. A damper for a surgical imaging device (500), the damper (100) comprising a stack of layers (102, 104, 106) including a first outer layer (102), a central layer (104) and a second outer layer (106), the layers coupled together to form a base portion (108) of the damper (100), the first outer layer (102) forming a first end (110) of the damper (100) configured to be connected to a stand (506) of the surgical imaging device (500), and the second outer layer (106) forming a first end (110) of the damper (100) configured to be connected to a stand (506) of the surgical imaging device (500). a second end (112) of the damper (100) configured to be connected to a base (508) of a flexible flexible sheet (100) having a first end (110) and a second end (112) of the damper (100) configured to be elastically deformed in response to a compressive or tensile force applied to one of the ends (110, 112) such that the central layer (104) elastically deforms but the outer layers (102, 106) do not elastically deform, and application of the force to the first end (110) causes a displacement of the first outer layer (102) relative to the second outer layer (106), thereby inducing a shear deformation of the central layer (104). Damper.
2. The deviation is limited to 2 mm. The damper according to claim 1.
3. The ends (110, 112) extend from a same side (114) of the base portion (108) of the damper (100), and the second end (112) is configured to be movably connected to the first end (110). The damper according to claim 1 or 2.
4. the first end (110) is configured to be fixed to the stand (506) by a fixing element (510), the second end (112) is configured to be fixed to the base (508) by at least one other fixing element (514), and the second end (112) is further configured to be assembled on an axis (518) configured to engage with the fixing element (510) such that during deformation, the first end (110) is displaced along the axis (518), thereby displacing the first outer layer (102) in the direction of the force; The damper according to claim 3.
5. the central layer (104) shears coaxially in response to displacement of the first end (110); The damper according to claim 3 or 4.
6. The outer layers (102, 106) are made of sheet metal and the central layer (104) is made of an elastomer, preferably polyurethane. A damper according to any one of the preceding claims.
7. the central layer (104) is configured to shear back following a shear deformation to return from a deformed state to an undeformed state; A damper according to any one of the preceding claims.
8. A damper (100) comprising a stand (506), a base (508) and a damper (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Surgical imaging equipment.
9. The surgical imaging device (500) further comprises a fixing element (510) for fixing a first end (110) of the damper (100) to a housing (512) of the stand (506) and another fixing element (514) for fixing a second end (112) of the damper (100) to a connector portion (516) of the base (508), the connector portion (516) being configured to connect the base (508) to the stand (506), and a shaft (518) being configured to movably connect the first end (110) and the second end (112).
9. The surgical imaging device of claim 8.
10. the surgical imaging device further comprising an image capture device carrier and an arm, the damper configured to elastically deform coaxially in response to a force applied to the image capture device carrier and / or the arm.
10. A surgical imaging apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.