Ophthalmological Laser Scanner Integrated in Arm Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ophthalmological laser devices are complex due to the large number of components required along the laser beam path, which increases the risk of power loss and demands precise design, positioning, and maintenance, making them cumbersome and difficult to operate safely.
Innovation Solution
The ophthalmological laser device incorporates a scanner arranged in a joint of the arm between the base station and the application head, allowing for dynamic deflection of the treatment laser beam about two axes, reducing the need for additional mirrors and simplifying the beam path while maintaining collimation through a laser collimator in the base station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirrors and components are arranged along the laser beam path to enable flexible positioning and beam deflection, then the application head can be positioned over a reclined patient, but the number of components increases and laser power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scanner and joint into a single integrated unit, where the scanner is arranged within the joint structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate mirrors at each joint location, reducing the total component count while maintaining both beam deflection capability and flexible positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The joint serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical articulation for arm positioning and simultaneously houses the scanner for laser beam deflection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirrors and components are arranged along the laser beam path to enable flexible positioning, then the application head can be positioned over a reclined patient, but laser power is lost due to absorption and deflection
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the scanner within the joint, the patent reduces the number of separate optical components the laser beam must pass through. Fewer components mean fewer opportunities for power loss through absorption and deflection, while the combined structure maintains the necessary beam control capabilities
3Ease of operation
If multiple mirrors and components are arranged along the laser beam path, then beam deflection and positioning are enabled, but precision and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of scanner and joint into a single unit reduces the total number of precision components that must be designed, positioned, and maintained. The combined structure eliminates alignment requirements between separate mirrors and joints, thereby reducing manufacturing precision demands while maintaining beam control capability
4Ease of operation
If multiple mirrors and components are arranged along the laser beam path, then beam deflection is enabled, but device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating the scanner and joint into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points in the optical path. Fewer separate components mean fewer alignment issues, less maintenance required, and improved overall system reliability and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the scanner from the base station and relocates it to the joint, removing it from the main beam path in the base station. This repositioning simplifies the base station structure and reduces the number of components that could potentially fail or misalign
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
This configuration reduces the complexity of the device by minimizing the number of components, enhances the precision of laser delivery, and maintains the power of the laser beam, thereby improving the safety and reliability of ophthalmological treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a scanner arranged in the joint and configured to dynamically deflect the treatment laser beam about two axes
Implementation Method 2
maintaining collimation through a laser collimator in the base station
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An ophthalmological laser device (1) for treatment of eye tissue is disclosed, comprising a base station (2) having a treatment laser source (21) configured to generate a treatment laser beam (T), an application head (5), an arm (4) arranged between the base station (2) and the application head (5), wherein the arm (4) is configured to provide a beam path for the treatment laser beam (T), the arm (4) having at least one joint (41), and a scanner (3) arranged in the joint (41) and configured to dynamically deflect the treatment laser beam (T) about two axes (A, B), wherein the treatment laser beam (T) upstream of the scanner (3) is collinear with an axis (C) of rotation of the joint (41) and an orientation of the scanner (3) is dependent on a movement of the joint (41).