Half-Wheel Optical Assembly for Surgical Microscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical microscopes face issues with light obstruction due to motor-driven full wheels, stress on optical filters from complex coatings, and the inability to simultaneously adjust depth of field (DoF) and position fluorescence observation filters in observation beam paths, especially in stereoscopic setups.
Innovation Solution
An optical wheel with a half-wheel shape and external gearing, featuring adhesive-fastened optical element holders that avoid transverse forces and a motor-driven mechanism for adjusting DoF, allowing fluorescence observation filters to be positioned within beam paths and removed when not needed, minimizing light obstruction and enabling continuous DoF adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motor-driven full wheels are used to position optical elements, then optical elements can be selectively positioned in observation beam paths, but opaque areas formed by webs or full-surface areas block light transmitted in the observation beam paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical wheel into a half-wheel configuration with discrete openings for optical elements rather than a full wheel with continuous opaque surfaces. This segmentation allows light to pass through the wheel structure when optical elements are not in the beam path, resolving the contradiction between positioning capability and light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the opaque web structures from the optical wheel design, replacing them with a half-wheel configuration that has openings. This removal of harmful opaque areas maintains the positioning function while eliminating the light-blocking effect.
2Ease of operation
If optical filters with complex coatings are glued into full wheels, then optical filters can be secured in position, but temperature changes result in transverse forces which intensify deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adhesive bonding method from the optical element mounting process and replaces it with a mechanical retention system using openings and retaining structures. This eliminates the source of transverse forces from thermal expansion while maintaining secure positioning of optical filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical retention structure between the optical wheel and optical filters, replacing direct adhesive bonding. This intermediary mechanism provides secure mounting without transmitting thermal stress, thereby protecting surface flatness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluorescence observation filters are positioned in observation beam paths, then fluorescence observation is enabled, but depth of field cannot be continuously adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical wheel into distinct sectors: one for fluorescence observation filters and another for aperture diaphragms. This segmentation allows independent positioning and adjustment of each component, enabling both fluorescence observation and continuous depth of field adjustment without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional optical wheel that can accommodate both fluorescence observation filters and aperture diaphragms in different positions. This universal design allows the system to perform both fluorescence observation and continuous depth of field adjustment by rotating the wheel to the appropriate position.
4Ease of repair
If additional mechanical wheels are provided for manual operation to turn full wheels free, then stuck full wheels can be repositioned, but manually rotating these additional wheels may distract the surgeon from the surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical wheel system with self-service capabilities through motor-driven rotation and automatic positioning. The system can reposition itself without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the need for additional manual wheels and keeping the surgeon focused on the surgical procedure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, space-saving design that maintains optical quality, minimizes light obstruction, and allows for seamless switching between fluorescence and white light modes while ensuring the optical elements are not subjected to harmful forces, enhancing surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element holders are fastened to the optical wheel by an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly for a surgical microscope includes an iris diaphragm assembly arranged in a first plane and including a first adjustable diaphragm arranged in a first observation beam path of the surgical microscope and defining a first opening, and a second adjustable diaphragm arranged in a second observation beam path of the surgical microscope and defining a second opening, an optical wheel rotatably mounted on the iris diaphragm assembly in a second plane, the optical wheel including openings for receiving optical elements and optical element holders fastened to the optical wheel to secure the optical elements in the openings without creating transverse forces on the optical elements, the optical wheel having substantially a shape of a half wheel and including an external gearing provided on a circular portion of the optical wheel. A surgical microscope includes the optical assembly with the iris diaphragm assembly and the optical wheel.