Medical Observation Arm Cable Routing Offset Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing medical observation systems face challenges in downsizing the support means due to the need to accommodate cables for signal transmission, which results in an oversized electromagnetic brake when inserted through the rotational shaft and brake mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A medical observation apparatus with a support unit featuring a cylindrical shaft for cable insertion and a joint portion with a rotating and restraining mechanism, including an electromagnet, allows for the rotation of arm portions while maintaining a compact design by offsetting the electromagnet's central axis, enabling the brake to be smaller without compromising functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cable is inserted into the interior of the arm through the rotational shaft and electromagnetic brake, then the cable connection is achieved, but the electromagnetic brake becomes larger than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable routing function from the electromagnetic brake's central axis area. The cable is routed through a cable guide that is offset from the central axis, allowing the cable to pass through the arm without requiring the electromagnetic brake to be enlarged to accommodate the cable at its center.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the cable routing path from the central axial dimension to an offset radial dimension. By positioning the cable guide at a location offset from the central axis of the rotational shaft, the cable can be inserted through the arm structure without interfering with the central electromagnetic brake mechanism, thus maintaining compact dimensions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the electromagnetic brake is made larger to accommodate the cable, then the cable can be inserted, but the support means cannot be downsized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the arm structure into functional zones: the central axis area for the electromagnetic brake and the offset area for cable routing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the electromagnetic brake maintains its compact central design while the cable guide is positioned in the offset region, eliminating the need to enlarge the overall support means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable guide as an intermediary component that mediates between the cable and the arm structure. The cable guide is positioned at an offset location and provides a dedicated pathway for cable insertion without requiring modifications to the electromagnetic brake or enlargement of the support means.
3Volume of moving object
If the electromagnetic brake is reduced in size for downsizing, then the support means can be compact, but cable insertion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by moving the cable insertion path to an offset dimension rather than through the central axis. This allows the electromagnetic brake to maintain its compact central design while the cable guide, positioned at an offset location, provides adequate space for cable routing without requiring the brake itself to be enlarged.
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 design achieves downsizing of the support unit while maintaining the functionality of the electromagnetic brake, reducing the obstruction in the field of view and enlarging the operator's working area.
Implementation Method 1
the restraining portion is an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field by energization
Implementation Method 2
the rotating portion has magnetism
Data Source
AI summary
A medical observation apparatus includes: a microscope; a support that movably supports the microscope, and includes plural arm portions and plural joint portions each of which connects two of the arm portions and rotatably holds one of the arm portions around a predetermined shaft portion with respect to the other of the arm portions; and one or plural cables inserted into an interior of the support. The shaft portion has a cylindrical shape into which the one or the plural cables can be inserted. A joint portion, of the plural joint portions, that connects two arm portions in which extending directions are orthogonal to each other includes a rotating portion rotatable according to rotational power of the shaft portion, and a restraining portion positioned where a central axis thereof is offset from a central axis and that is capable of restraining rotation of the rotating portion.