Endoscope Support Arm Offset Rotation for 3D Positioning Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical treatment supporting apparatuses lack the flexibility to maintain medical observation devices in any position within a three-dimensional space, leading to reduced operator comfort and potential interference with surgical tools during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A supporting apparatus with a pair of coupling units, a turning arm unit, moving arm unit, tilt units, and a supporting unit, allowing for three-dimensional movement and stabilization of medical observation devices, such as endoscopes, while avoiding interference with surgical tools and maintaining the device's position and attitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple supporting structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain the medical observation device in any position within three-dimensional space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting apparatus is divided into multiple independent arm units (first arm unit, second arm unit, third arm unit) that can move and position independently. Each arm unit contributes to the overall positioning capability, allowing the device to reach any position in three-dimensional space through coordinated movement of segmented components rather than requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple rotation axes (first rotation axis, second rotation axis, third rotation axis) that operate in different dimensions. The first arm unit rotates about a first rotation axis, the second arm unit about a second rotation axis, and the third arm unit about a third rotation axis, enabling three-dimensional positioning by utilizing rotational freedom in multiple dimensional directions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple arm units with multiple rotation axes are used, then the positioning capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Balance weight units are provided that counterbalance the weights of the arm units. The balance weight unit for the first arm unit counterbalances the first arm unit's weight, the balance weight unit for the second arm unit counterbalances the second arm unit's weight, and the balance weight unit for the third arm unit counterbalances the third arm unit's weight. This reduces the force required to move each arm unit while maintaining the complex multi-axis positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs dynamic balancing through the balance weight units that move with the arm units. As each arm unit rotates about its rotation axis, its associated balance weight unit rotates correspondingly to maintain counterbalance, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to changing positions while keeping the operator's effort minimal despite the complex positioning freedom provided.
3Illumination intensity
If the medical observation device is positioned close to the surgical site, then the visual field is improved, but interference with surgical tools may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-axis rotation system enables the medical observation device to be positioned in three-dimensional space without requiring placement directly in the surgical path. By utilizing rotation about multiple axes (first, second, and third rotation axes), the device can achieve optimal visual field positioning from elevated or angled positions that do not interfere with surgical tool movement in the horizontal surgical plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The division into multiple arm units with independent rotation capabilities allows the observation device to be positioned in a segmented manner - each arm unit can be adjusted independently to achieve the optimal position that provides both close visual field access and clearance from surgical tools. The first, second, and third arm units can be positioned at different spatial locations to avoid interference.
4Ease of operation
If the supporting apparatus allows free movement in three-dimensional space, then operator comfort is improved, but stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The balance weight units provide continuous counterbalance to the arm units, reducing the force required to move and reposition the medical observation device. This enables smooth, easy operation that reduces operator fatigue and discomfort, while the gravitational counterbalance inherently stabilizes the system at any positioned configuration, preventing unintended movement and maintaining position stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting apparatus used for medical treatment includes a support arm in which a leading end side is coupled to a supporting unit supporting an endoscope, and a moving arm that is coupled to a base end side of the support arm, the moving arm moving the supporting unit and supporting the supporting unit in a moved position of the supporting unit. The support arm includes a leading-end-side coupling unit that is turnably coupled to the supporting unit, a base-end-side coupling unit that is disposed in coaxial with the leading-end-side coupling unit and turnably coupled to the moving arm, and an offset unit laterally offset with respect to an axis line R passing through the leading-end-side and the base-end-side coupling units. The offset unit is freely rotatable about the axis line R with respect to the supporting unit and the moving arm.