Variable Counterbalance Head Mechanism for Safe Anatomical Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Maneuvering a medical system head relative to an anatomical site can result in unacceptable forces that may cause injury, particularly during diagnostic or surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical system with a multistage slide mechanism, including a coarse-float mechanism for long-range movement and a fine-float mechanism for short-range movement, which limits and reduces forces applied to the anatomical site through a triggering event, such as valid coupling with a patient interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the head is maneuvered relative to the anatomical site to establish proper coupling, then the coupling accuracy is improved, but the force applied to the anatomical site increases to unacceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterbalance mechanism that applies an opposing force to the head assembly to counteract its weight and reduce the net force applied to the anatomical site. The counterbalance mechanism includes a counterweight that can be adjusted to provide the necessary counterbalancing force, thereby protecting the eye from excessive forces while still allowing for accurate coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic counterbalance mechanism that can adjust its characteristics during operation. The counterbalance mechanism includes adjustable elements that allow the counterbalancing force to be modified based on the operational requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different coupling stages and force conditions.
2Reliability
If a counterbalance mechanism is added to reduce force on the anatomical site, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance mechanism utilizes a counterweight that can be mechanically integrated into the existing head assembly structure. By strategically positioning the counterweight within the head assembly, the patent achieves force reduction while minimizing additional structural complexity and maintaining a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterbalance mechanism is designed to automatically adjust and maintain appropriate counterbalancing forces during head movement and coupling operations. The mechanism self-regulates based on the operational state, reducing the need for complex external control systems and minimizing overall device complexity while ensuring continuous protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system includes a head having an end arranged to face a reference plane and a multistage slide mechanism coupled with the head. The multistage slide mechanism includes a coarse-float mechanism configured to enable movement of the head relative to the reference plane, and a fine-float mechanism configured to limit a force applied through the head to an initial force, and to reduce the force applied through the head to a reduced force less than the initial force in response to a presence of a first triggering event. The first triggering event may correspond to a valid coupling between a cone attachment of the head and a patient interface coupled to an anatomical site at the reference plane.