Microscope Attachment Device Decoupling Focus from Lens Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical microscope attachments for ophthalmology are structurally complex, costly, and difficult to sterilize due to large size and complex drive systems, leading to inefficiencies in handling and operation, particularly during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A simplified attachment device with a turret-like positioning system that allows discrete positioning states, decoupling focusing movement from lens element movement, and using a detachable covering cap to protect sensitive components, enabling easier sterilization and reduced installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linear drive system is used to position lens elements, then focusing capability is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the focusing function from the lens element positioning mechanism. Instead of using a linear drive to move lens elements along the optical axis for focusing, the invention keeps lens elements in fixed positions and uses a separate focusing lens that can be independently positioned. This separation eliminates the need for complex linear drive systems while maintaining focusing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional components: fixed lens elements for image formation and a movable focusing lens for focus adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall device structure by eliminating the need for complex integrated positioning mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If lens elements are linearly displaced for focusing, then focusing is achieved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving lens elements along the optical axis (one dimension) for focusing, the patent introduces a focusing lens that can be positioned in a different dimensional configuration. The focusing lens is held by a positioning mechanism that allows adjustment without requiring extensive longitudinal space, effectively utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to reduce overall device length.
3Ease of operation
If a complete attachment device with linear drive is used, then lens positioning is achieved, but sterilization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex linear drive system from the sterilizable portion of the device. The attachment device is designed so that the lens holding and positioning components can be easily removed and sterilized separately, while the focusing mechanism remains outside the sterile field. This separation allows the critical optical components to be sterilized without exposing sensitive mechanical drive systems to autoclave conditions.
4Volume of moving object
If lens elements are positioned close to the eye, then working space is reduced, but moving them away causes vignetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a focusing lens as an intermediary element between the fixed lens elements and the observation device. This intermediary focusing lens can be independently positioned to optimize the optical path, allowing the main lens elements to be positioned closer to the eye for better working space while the focusing lens compensates for any vignetting effects through its adjustable positioning.
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 enhances handling and operability, simplifies the attachment device, reduces sterilization complexity, and allows for quick changes between lens elements during surgery, improving surgical efficiency and reducing the risk of vignetting and equipment interference.
Implementation Method 1
an attachment device (20) for an optical observation device (10), in particular for a microscope, with a focusing device (50) and with a holding device (38), having a holding element (32) on which at least one lens element (33, 34) is arranged
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates, inter alia, to an attachment device (20) for an optical observation device (10), in particular for a microscope. The attachment device (20) has a holding device (38) which includes a holding element (32) on which at least one lens element (33, 34) is arranged. It further has a positioning device (21) for positioning the holding element (32) and the at least one lens element (33, 34) arranged thereon with respect to the optical observation device (10), the holding element (32) being arranged on the positioning device (21). Finally, a fastening device (35) is provided for attaching the holding device (38) to the attachment device (20). The positioning device (21) has at least two positioning elements (22, 28) which are connected to each other via a joint (31).In order to be able to implement such an attachment device (20) in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner, it is provided, for example, that the positioning elements (22, 28) are connected to each other in such a way that they can be folded onto each other or into each other.