Medical Observation Device Actuator Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic imaging observation devices face challenges in downsizing the support unit structure, which limits workspace and field of view for surgeons, especially when equipped with actuators for each joint unit.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves arranging at least one joint unit and its corresponding actuator apart via a power transmission mechanism, allowing for a smaller structure near the microscope unit and improved workspace and field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If actuators are provided for each joint unit to enable precise movement control, then the support unit can be positioned and oriented accurately, but the size of the support unit increases due to the space required to mount the actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the actuator system into two segments: a first actuator mounted on the first arm unit and a second actuator mounted on the second arm unit. This segmentation allows each actuator to be smaller and positioned optimally, reducing the overall support unit size while maintaining positioning precision through distributed actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions actuators from traditional locations to different spatial dimensions - mounting the first actuator on the first arm unit and the second actuator on the second arm unit rather than consolidating them at one location. This dimensional redistribution reduces the volume occupied by the actuator system while preserving control precision.
2Reliability
If the structure near the distal end of the support unit is made larger to accommodate actuators and joint units, then the support unit can be positioned and oriented accurately, but the workspace of the operator is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuator mounting locations across different arm units, distributing the mechanical complexity away from the distal end. This allows the distal end structure to remain compact, preserving surgeon workspace while maintaining positioning reliability through the distributed actuator configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the actuators from the distal end structure and relocates them to the first and second arm units. This extraction removes the bulky actuator components from the workspace-critical distal region, maintaining positioning reliability while significantly improving ease of operation and workspace accessibility.
3Reliability
If the structure near the distal end of the support unit is made larger to accommodate actuators and joint units, then the support unit can be positioned and oriented accurately, but the view of the operator looking at the display device is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts actuators from the distal end structure where they would block the operator's view of the display device, and relocates them to the first and second arm units. This extraction eliminates visual obstruction while preserving positioning reliability through the distributed actuator configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions actuators to different spatial dimensions and locations along the arm units, moving them away from the distal end region that lies in the operator's line of sight to the display device. This dimensional relocation maintains positioning reliability while improving field of view.
4Ease of operation
If the structure near the distal end of the support unit is downsized to improve workspace and field of view, then the surgeon's workspace and field of view are enhanced, but it becomes more difficult to provide actuators for precise movement control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuator system across multiple arm units, allowing each actuator to be smaller and simpler in design. This segmentation reduces the complexity of integrating large actuators into the compact distal end structure, while still enabling precise movement control through coordinated actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates actuators to different positions along the arm units rather than concentrating them at the distal end. This dimensional redistribution simplifies actuator integration by providing adequate mounting space while maintaining the compact overall structure needed for good workspace and field of view.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a medical observation device including an imaging unit configured to capture an image of an object to be observed, and output a video signal, and a support unit configured with a plurality of arm units rotatably connected to each other via joint units, and configured to support the imaging unit. An actuator that applies driving force with respect to rotation about a rotational axis of at least one joint unit that defines an attitude of the imaging unit, among a plurality of the joint units that form the support unit, is provided. The at least one joint unit and the actuator are arranged separated from each other, and are connected together via a power transmission mechanism that transmits rotary movement between two rotational axes that are substantially orthogonal to each other.