Surgical Microscope Balancing Apparatus with Motorized Counterweights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical microscopes require complex and time-consuming balancing procedures, especially when add-on units are attached, which limits movement freedom and increases inertia, and existing solutions either require expensive automation or add weight, complicating setup and operation.
Innovation Solution
A balancing apparatus with remotely controllable electric motors for Y and Z displacement units, integrated into a cross-slide that rotates around the pivot support, using a static acceleration sensor to automatically select the correct motor direction, eliminating the need for additional compensation weights and simplifying the balancing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If brakes or bracing devices are used to hold the surgical microscope in position, then stability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a balancing apparatus with counterweights that can be positioned along the rotation axis to compensate for the weight of the surgical microscope and its accessories. This counterweight mechanism allows the system to achieve neutral balance, eliminating the need for brakes or bracing devices to hold the microscope in position, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional compensation weights are added to balance the surgical microscope, then balancing accuracy is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic balancing system where counterweights can be moved along the rotation axis to different positions. This allows the balancing apparatus to adapt to different configurations of the surgical microscope and its accessories, achieving precise balancing without requiring fixed additional compensation weights, thus avoiding unnecessary weight increase.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual balancing procedures are performed for each add-on unit, then balancing accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pre-configured balancing apparatus with counterweights positioned along the rotation axis that are ready to compensate for various add-on units. The system allows for quick adjustment of counterweight positions or automatic balancing mechanisms that can rapidly adapt to different configurations, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual balancing procedures while maintaining accuracy.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex balancing procedures are required, then balancing accuracy is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-balancing system where the balancing apparatus automatically adjusts counterweight positions or activates balancing mechanisms without requiring manual intervention. The system can detect the configuration of the surgical microscope and its accessories, and automatically position counterweights to achieve balance, thereby maintaining high balancing accuracy while significantly improving ease of operation.
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 faster, simpler, and complete balancing of the surgical microscope without additional weights, reducing inertia and improving movement homogeneity, allowing for easier setup and operation, even with add-on units, and reducing the overall weight and cost of the system.
Implementation Method 1
using a static acceleration sensor to automatically select the correct motor direction
Implementation Method 2
A balancing apparatus with remotely controllable electric motors for Y and Z displacement units
Data Source
AI summary
A balancing apparatus for a surgical microscope is suggested for balancing an optics carrier that is held via a pivot support at a stand. The apparatus comprises a Y displacement unit comprising a first slide for displacement of the optics carrier in a Y direction and a Z displacement unit comprising a second slide for displacement of the optics carrier in a Z direction. Both slides are driven by motors. A selector switch enables an operator to select powering either the first motor or the second motor; and a forward-reverse switch enables the operator to select either the forward or the reverse driving mode for the motor powered by the selector switch and consequently establish the forward or the reverse driving mode for the first or second slide, respectively.