Operating Microscope Co-Observer Beam Path Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating microscopes face challenges in maintaining full image brightness for both the main observer and co-observer during surgery, particularly in ophthalmological procedures, due to light loss caused by beam splitters and the need to avoid vignetting when adjusting the co-observer tube's orientation.
Innovation Solution
The operating microscope design allows for displacement of the co-observer beam path relative to the main observer beam path, with a displacement arrangement that changes the angle between the beam paths and adjusts the center point of the co-observer pupils, enabling flexible positioning while minimizing vignetting and maintaining high image brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical beam splitters are used to decouple the co-observer beam path, then the co-observer can view the operation site, but light intensity is reduced for both main observer and co-observer
Solution Approach 1:
The beam path is segmented into main observer and co-observer paths using separate optical routes. The co-observer beam path is physically separated from the main observer path, allowing independent optimization of each path's light intensity without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The co-observer beam path is routed through a different spatial dimension by exiting the objective plane at a different location and angle. This allows the co-observer to receive full light intensity by traveling through a separate optical pathway rather than sharing the main observer's beam path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the co-observer tube is rotated to change orientation, then the co-observer position can be adjusted, but vignetting occurs causing light loss in the main observer beam path
Solution Approach 1:
The optical paths are segmented such that the co-observer beam path is decoupled at the objective plane level. This segmentation allows the co-observer tube to be positioned and oriented independently without its optical elements interfering with the main observer's beam path, eliminating vignetting issues.
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitting arrangement acts as an intermediary that separates the main observer and co-observer beam paths at the objective plane. This intermediary element allows the co-observer tube to be positioned flexibly while preventing it from obstructing the main observer's light path.
3Device complexity
If the co-observer beam path shares the main objective, then both observers can use the same optical system, but the angle between beam paths must be optimized for red reflex observation
Solution Approach 1:
The co-observer beam path is routed through another dimension by exiting the objective plane at a different location and angle. This allows the beam path to be oriented optimally for red reflex observation (small angle with illumination path) while still sharing the common main objective for cost-effective design.
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 prevents light loss and allows for optimal observation of the red reflex, providing improved image brightness and flexibility in positioning the co-observer tube without compromising the main observer's view.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement arrangement, which allows a displacement of the co-observer beam path with respect to the main observer beam path such that the angle between the first imagined straight line and the second imagined straight line changes during the displacement
Implementation Method 2
This displacement arrangement additionally brings about a displacement of the center point between the co-observation pupils in the objective plane when there is a change in the angle between the first imagined straight line and the second imagined straight line
Implementation Method 3
the decoupling of the co-observer beam path is brought about by mirroring surfaces (also referred to as geometric beam splitters) rather than by physical beam splitters
Implementation Method 4
mirroring surfaces which can for example be designed as classical mirrors or as total-reflection prism surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An operating microscope has a main objective (1) that extends along an objective plane and is penetrated by a binocular main observer beam path and a binocular co-observer beam path. The binocular main observer beam path has two main observation pupils (3a, 3b) in the objective plane with centers on a first straight line (7). The binocular co-observer beam path has two co-observation pupils (5a, 5b) in the objective plane with centers on a second straight line (9). The first and second straight lines (7, 9) intersect. The co-observer beam path can be displaced with respect to the main observer beam path so that the angle between the second and first straight line (9, 7) changes. The center point (6) between the co-observation pupils (5a, 5b) in the objective plane displaces when there is a change in the angle between the second and first imagined straight lines (9, 7).