Stereo Microscope Beam Splitter for Assistant Tube Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereo microscopes with two-beam structures face challenges in easily changing the assistant beam path without increasing the number of movable elements, leading to higher costs and complexity, especially when trying to maintain sterility and stability during surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A stereo microscope design with an optical beam splitter device that rotates the assistant beam path by 180° and keeps the documentation beam path perpendicular, allowing the assistant beam path to be coupled from the same main beam path in both positions, reducing the need for multiple movable parts and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the assistant tube is transferred from one side to the other to change assistant position, then the assistant can be positioned on the desired side, but sterility is compromised and operational risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assistant tube is made pivotable about a vertical axis, allowing it to dynamically change position between left and right sides without being transferred or removed. This dynamic positioning capability enables the assistant to be placed on the desired side while maintaining system sterility and avoiding operational risks associated with tube transfer.
2Ease of operation
If two fixed assistant tubes are provided for left and right positions, then assistant position change is simplified, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing two fixed assistant tubes, the invention uses a single assistant tube that can pivot between positions. This dynamic solution eliminates the need for duplicate tubes, thereby reducing the overall weight of the microscope system while maintaining the capability to serve assistants on both left and right sides.
Solution Approach 2:
A single assistant tube is designed to perform multiple functions by pivoting to different positions (left and right sides). This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate dedicated tubes for each position, reducing weight and cost while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If the assistant tube is made pivotable in a horizontal plane, then assistant position change is enabled, but the construction becomes complex requiring four beam paths
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter device is segmented into multiple independent beam splitters, each responsible for directing specific beam paths. This segmentation allows the assistant tube to pivot between positions without requiring a complete redesign of the entire optical system, as each beam splitter can be independently adjusted or positioned to accommodate the changing assistant tube orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention resolves the complexity issue by introducing a vertical dimension to the beam path arrangement. Instead of requiring four separate horizontal beam paths for a pivotable assistant tube, the beam splitters are arranged in a vertically stacked configuration, allowing the assistant tube to pivot horizontally while the beam paths remain organized in the vertical dimension, thereby simplifying the overall construction.
4Ease of operation
If the main observer tube is removed or moved before assistant tube pivoting, then assistant tube pivoting is enabled, but operational continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The beam paths are arranged in a vertical dimension with beam splitters stacked one above another. This vertical arrangement allows the assistant tube to pivot horizontally in its own plane without interfering with the main observer tube, which remains fixed in position. The beam paths are routed through the vertical stack of beam splitters, enabling simultaneous operation of both main observer and assistant tube without requiring removal or movement of either component.
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 enables easy and safe changes in the assistant's position without colliding with the documentation interface, maintaining consistent brightness and reducing production and assembly costs by minimizing movable components.
Implementation Method 1
an optical beam splitter device for producing an assistant beam path and a documentation beam path, the direction of the assistant beam path in a first position being rotated through 180° relative to the direction of the assistant beam path in a second position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stereo microscope (20) with a first and a second main beam path (21, 22), the spacing of which defines a stereo base (23), wherein an axis of the microscope (24) extends through the middle of the stereo base (23) parallel to the main beam paths (21, 22), and with an optical beam splitter device (30) for producing an assistant beam path (31) and a documentation beam path (32), wherein the direction of the assistant beam path (31) in a first position is rotated by 180° to the direction of the assistant beam path (31) in a second position of the beam splitter device (30), and the decoupled documentation beam path (32) in both positions of the beam splitter device (30) is in each case perpendicular to the decoupled assistant beam path (31), and wherein in both the first and second positions of the beam splitter device (30) the assistant beam path (31) can in each case be decoupled at least from the first main beam path (21) and the documentation beam path (32) can in each case be decoupled at least from the second main beam path (22).