Medical Optics Adapter for Interchangeable Smart Device Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical diagnostic devices lack versatility in accommodating various smart devices, as existing adapters are specific to certain models, limiting the ability to switch between optical and electronic viewing modes without modifications and ensuring proper alignment with the device's optics.

Innovation Solution

A generic adapter system that includes interface plates and magnets to securely attach and align multiple smart devices with different sizes and models to various medical diagnostic devices, allowing for interchangeable operation modes without requiring significant modifications to the devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a specific smart device is used with a medical diagnostic device, then proper optical alignment is achieved, but versatility to accommodate other smart devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter compatibilityVSAvoidoptical alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple smart device models and sizes through adjustable clamping mechanisms and interchangeable interface plates, allowing a single adapter to serve multiple functions while maintaining proper optical alignment with the medical diagnostic device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a generic adapter is used to accommodate multiple smart devices, then versatility is improved, but alignment precision with the optical system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmart device compatibilityVSAvoidcamera-optics alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter includes pre-configured alignment features such as precision-machined reference surfaces, alignment pins, and preset mounting positions that automatically guide the smart device into the correct optical alignment position before attachment, eliminating the need for post-attachment alignment adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An interface plate serves as an intermediary component between the smart device and the adapter, providing a precision-machined mounting surface that ensures accurate optical alignment while allowing the adapter to accommodate various smart device models through different interface plates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the supporting fixture retains a smart device in a single defined position, then optical alignment is ensured, but adaptability to different smart device sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical alignmentVSAvoiddevice size accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting fixture incorporates adjustable clamping mechanisms and movable mounting positions that can be dynamically reconfigured to accommodate different smart device sizes and shapes while maintaining the required optical alignment, transitioning from a fixed single-position design to a dynamic multi-position system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables versatile use of multiple smart devices with various medical diagnostic instruments, ensuring proper optical alignment and facilitating seamless transitions between optical and electronic viewing modes without altering the diagnostic devices.

Implementation Method 1

An adapter attached to the at least one medical examination or diagnostic device is configured to support and align one or one of a plurality of disparate smart devices relative to the optical axis of the medical device(s)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3448224B1Medical examination system enabling interchangeable operating modes
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 WELCH ALLYN INC
  • EP3448224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3448224B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(i)
  • EP3448224B1 patent drawingFigure 2(j)

AI summary

An examination system having separate enabled interchangeable operating modes includes at least one medical device having a housing retaining an optical system. The examination system further includes an adapter that is configured for aligning a plurality of disparate smart devices with the optical system of the medical device when the adapter is attached to the medical device, thereby enabling multiple operating modes without modification to the device. In at least one version, common engagement features are provided on a plurality of medical devices to permit the adapter and an attached smart device to be used therewith interchangeably.