Angled Arm Floor Stand for Microscope Maneuverability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical microscope floor stands occupy too much space, making it difficult for physicians and assistants to maneuver around the device, especially in small or crowded rooms.

Innovation Solution

A floor stand design featuring a support column and lateral arm with an angled intersection between 50 to 70 degrees, allowing for a compact footprint while providing additional space for maneuverability, with options for separate or unitary construction of the column and arm, and an articulating arm for vertical and horizontal movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a traditional vertical floor stand design is used, then the microscope can be supported stably, but the stand occupies too much space and limits maneuverability around the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefootprint area of the standVSAvoidmaneuverability around the stand
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support column is angled relative to the base rather than vertical, changing the spatial dimension of the stand structure. This angular configuration (between 50-70 degrees from vertical) projects the support function in a different spatial orientation, reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining stability and allowing better access around the microscope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral arm is made movable relative to the support column through a pivot joint, allowing it to rotate between horizontal and angled positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the stand to adapt its configuration based on space requirements, improving maneuverability when the lateral arm is repositioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the lateral arm is made movable to improve access, then maneuverability increases, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to patientVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stand is divided into distinct functional segments: a base with central pillar, an angled support column, and a lateral arm connected via pivot joint. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall structure compared to a fully rigid or fully complex articulated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2745038B1Floor stand with angled arm for microscope
Publication Date: 2016.07.13 ALCON RESEARCH LTD
  • EP2745038B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2745038B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A floor stand with an angled arm is provided for use with a microscope. The angled arm allows the floor stand and microscope to fit within a small or crowded examination room while also allowing a physician and his assistant space to maneuver around the floor stand and examine a patient.