Microscope Binocular Assembly with Adjustable Prism Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical microscopes lack an efficient binocular assembly that provides clear, aligned, and adjustable optical pathways for surgeons to view the surgical field, especially in ophthalmic procedures, often requiring uncomfortable positioning and complex optical setups.
Innovation Solution
A binocular assembly with optical pathways featuring penta-right angle prisms, focusing assemblies, and adjustable right-angle prisms mounted on flexure mounts, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment to align with the surgeon's eye spacing, reducing complexity and improving image consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical pathways are used in surgical microscopes, then the basic imaging function is provided, but the optical alignment is difficult to adjust and image consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable right-angle prisms mounted on flexure mounts that allow dynamic adjustment of the optical pathways. This enables the optical alignment to be adapted to different surgeon eye spacings and positions, resolving the contradiction between achieving precise alignment and maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical pathway is divided into separate adjustable segments using individual right-angle prisms for each eyepiece. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each optical path, improving alignment precision without requiring complete redesign of the entire optical system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed optical pathways are used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different surgeon eye spacings is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure mounts enable dynamic adjustment of the right-angle prisms, allowing the optical pathways to be customized for different surgeon eye spacings. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows adjustment of the optical pathway parameters (angle and position) to match different surgeon anatomies. By changing these parameters, the system adapts to various eye spacings and positioning requirements without compromising operational ease.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to improve alignment, then the optical precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexure mounts that provide adjustment capability through simple mechanical means rather than complex electronic or motorized systems. This achieves high alignment precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity by using passive, gravity-assisted adjustment mechanisms.
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 provides clear, aligned, and adjustable optical pathways, enhancing surgical precision and comfort by aligning with the surgeon's eye spacing, reducing the need for complex components, and improving image consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a first penta-right angle prism, a first optical focusing assembly located along a first focusing axis for focusing the first optical pathway from the first penta-right angle prism
Implementation Method 2
a first pair of right-angle prisms located along a first prism axis for directing the first optical pathway from the first focusing axis to a first eyepiece axis
Implementation Method 3
a first optical focusing assembly located along a first focusing axis for focusing the first optical pathway from the first penta-right angle prism
Data Source
AI summary
A binocular assembly includes a first optical pathway extending from a flat plate mirror to a first eyepiece assembly. The first optical pathway includes a first penta-right angle prism, a first optical focusing assembly located along a first focusing axis for focusing the first optical pathway from the first penta-right angle prism, and a first pair of right-angle prisms located along a first prism axis. The binocular assembly also includes a second optical pathway extending from the flat plate mirror to a second eyepiece assembly. The second optical pathway includes a second penta-right angle prism, a second optical focusing assembly located along a second focusing axis for focusing the second optical pathway from the second penta-right angle prism, and a second pair of right-angle prisms located along a second prism axis.