Actuator-Driven Magnification Selector for Surgical Microscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnification changers in slit lamps and surgical microscopes, particularly those based on Galilean telescope systems, require complex and non-intuitive operations for adjusting magnification levels, often necessitating double steps and direction reversals, which disrupt the examination process and can lead to loss of focus and control over the field of view.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sensor that transmits the current magnification level to a control unit, allowing for actuator-driven adjustments through a simple and intuitive interface, using magnetic, optical, or inductive coding to determine the absolute or relative position and generate control signals for smooth magnification changes, with optional additional optical elements to enhance magnification levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional magnification changer with multiple passages and Galilean telescopes is used, then multiple magnification levels are available, but the operation becomes complex requiring double steps and direction reversals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotation mechanism with an actuator-driven system. The actuator automatically rotates the cylindrical element to the correct passage position based on control signals, eliminating the need for manual double steps and direction reversals. This substitution of mechanical operation with automated actuation directly resolves the contradiction between maintaining multiple magnification levels and simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the user and the magnification changer mechanism. The control unit receives input signals, determines the appropriate passage position, and controls the actuator accordingly. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of the mechanical system, providing simple button presses or touchscreen selections to the user while managing the complex passage switching automatically.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of magnification levels is required, then operators can control the magnification changer, but they must look away from the eyepieces interrupting the examination process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements foot pedals that allow operators to adjust magnification levels without using their hands or breaking their visual focus on the eyepieces. The foot pedals are positioned within easy reach, enabling operators to perform magnification changes as a self-service operation while maintaining continuous observation of the examination field, thus eliminating examination interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new control dimension by placing operating elements (foot pedals) in the operator's foot area rather than requiring hand operation near the eyepieces. This spatial reorganization allows simultaneous control of magnification and visual observation without interruption, resolving the contradiction between operator control and examination continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the magnification changer requires direction reversal for continuous magnification changes, then all magnification levels are accessible, but the operation becomes non-intuitive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control logic in the control unit that adapts the actuator's rotation direction and stopping position based on the desired magnification change. The system dynamically determines the optimal path to the target passage, eliminating fixed direction reversal requirements and providing intuitive, continuous magnification adjustment in the desired direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from fixed mechanical rotation steps to programmable actuator commands. The control unit can calculate and execute variable rotation angles and directions based on the current and target magnification levels, enabling continuous intuitive adjustment without the rigid direction reversals inherent in traditional mechanical designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A device by which the magnification stages of a magnification selector based on Galilean telescope systems can be adjusted by a motor. The magnification selector has a sensor that transmits the currently magnification stage to a control unit; in the control unit, an assignment of the magnification stages present on the magnification selector to a sequence of the magnification stages, organized based on size, is stored. For the user, there are operating elements connected to the control unit for selecting a magnification stage. In order to set the magnification stage selected by the user via the operating elements, the magnification selector has an actuator, which is connected to the control unit to receive appropriate control signals. Although provided in particular for slit lamps and surgical microscopes having eyepieces, the solution can also be applied in other ophthalmological devices or devices from other technical fields.