Ophthalmologic Microscope Brake Control for Precise Manual Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmologic slit lamp microscopes lack ease of use, particularly in manually adjusting components due to the high cost of motorizing pivotal movements.
Innovation Solution
A slit lamp microscope with manually movable components and an electrically controlled brake system, utilizing position sensors and brake controllers to assist in precise positioning and braking based on component movement, speed, and user-specific parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual movement of components is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but positioning precision and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically controllable brake acts as an intermediary between the user's manual movement and the final positioned state. The brake provides controlled resistance during movement and secure locking at the destination, mediating between simple manual operation and precise positioning without requiring full motorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems (motors, drives, sensors for closed-loop control) with a simpler mechanical brake system controlled by electrical signals. This substitution maintains positioning capability while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
2Device complexity
If manual movement of components is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brake controller receives feedback about component movement and braking state to determine optimal brake actuation timing. This feedback loop enables precise positioning by continuously monitoring the system state and adjusting brake application accordingly, achieving accuracy without complex mechanical precision mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake is actuated in advance based on detected movement parameters before the component reaches its final position. This preliminary braking action allows the system to anticipate the stopping point and apply friction precisely when needed, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring the component to stop exactly at the target under full manual control.
3Manufacturing precision
If brake actuation is delayed, then positioning accuracy improves, but productivity deteriorates due to longer adjustment time
Solution Approach 1:
The brake actuation timing is dynamic rather than fixed - it adapts based on real-time detection of component movement characteristics. The system continuously monitors movement and determines the optimal moment to apply braking force, allowing rapid adjustment when movement is slow and more precise timing when movement is faster, thus optimizing both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake controller adjusts braking parameters (actuation timing, force magnitude) based on detected movement parameters. By changing these parameters dynamically according to the specific movement situation, the system achieves accurate positioning across varying adjustment speeds without compromising productivity.
4Productivity
If brake force is increased for faster stopping, then productivity improves, but positioning precision deteriorates due to overshoot
Solution Approach 1:
The brake applies partial braking force rather than maximum force throughout the stopping process. The controller modulates brake engagement to provide just enough friction to decelerate and position the component accurately, avoiding excessive braking that would cause overshoot or oscillation, thus achieving both speed and precision.
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
Enhances user convenience by facilitating accurate and efficient manual adjustment of microscope components, reducing the need for costly motorization and improving operational precision.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor arranged to measure a relative position between the first and second components. The first sensor member generates an electronic signal indicative of the mutual position of the two components
Implementation Method 2
The brake comprises a primary brake member arranged between the first and second components... generate an electrically controllable braking force between the first and second component
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The ophthalmologic microscope comprises a first component including a base (1) and a stage (2), a second component including a pivotal arm (3) and a microscope device (8), and a third component including a pivotal arm (4) and a light source (9). The various components are mutually pivotal at a hinge (30). An electronically controlled brake (38a, 38b, 38c) and a position sensor (46a, 46b) are incorporated into the hinge (30). The brake controller (50) of the microscope is adapted to interrupt a manual mutual displacement of the components in response to a signal from the position sensor (46a, 46b) in order to assist the user in properly aligning the components.