Video Glasses Locking Mechanism for Microscope Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video glasses for stereo microscopes in microsurgical procedures face challenges in manually pivoting the image display unit without significant resistance while maintaining stability, especially during rapid movements and high acceleration, requiring complex control circuits with sensors and drives.
Innovation Solution
The video glasses feature a support device with a joint and locking mechanism that allows manual pivoting of the image display unit between operating and rest positions, using a latching device and catch system to maintain stability, and optionally include an electric drive with a slip clutch for reduced effort and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a complex control circuit with sensors and drives is used to maintain image display unit stability, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device utilizes the weight force of the image display unit itself to automatically engage the latching device with the catch when the image display unit is in the rest position, eliminating the need for external sensors and drives. The system serves itself by using the gravitational force already acting on the image display unit to achieve automatic locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex electronic control system (sensors and drives) with a simple mechanical locking mechanism consisting of a latching device, catch, and spring. This mechanical system achieves stability through physical engagement rather than electronic control, significantly reducing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual pivoting is enabled without significant resistance, then ease of operation is improved, but stability during rapid movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be dynamically responsive, allowing free manual pivoting when not latched while automatically engaging to provide stability when needed. The spring-loaded latching device can be easily actuated by manual input to transition between locked and unlocked states, adapting the system's rigidity based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latching device acts as an intermediary between the image display unit and the support device, providing a mechanical connection that allows easy manual pivoting when disengaged but ensures stability when engaged. The spring mechanism absorbs shocks and vibrations during rapid movements while maintaining the locked position.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the latching device engages in the catch to maintain holding position, then stability is improved, but rotation freedom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device incorporates a feedback mechanism where the position of the image display unit automatically triggers the latching device to engage or disengage from the catch. When the image display unit is in the rest position, the latching device engages to provide stability. When manual pivoting is required, the system responds by disengaging the latch, allowing rotation freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latching device is pre-positioned to automatically engage with the catch when the image display unit reaches the rest position, before any instability can occur. This preliminary engagement ensures stability is maintained without requiring continuous monitoring or active control during normal 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 easy manual pivoting of the image display unit with reduced resistance and maintains stability during movements, enhancing user comfort and safety by preventing unwanted rotation beyond designated positions.
Implementation Method 1
The locking device can be designed as an elastically deformable tongue
Implementation Method 2
the locking device can comprise a spring-loaded and rotatably mounted pin
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to video glasses and to a stereo microscope with video glasses for use in microsurgical procedures. The video glasses comprise: a support device, designed to fasten the video glasses on a user's head; an image reproduction unit for outputting images; a joint which has an axis of rotation connects the holding device to the image reproduction unit for rotation relative to one another about the axis of rotation between an operating position, in which the image reproduction unit is arranged in front of the user's eyes and the images can be shown to the user, and an idle position, in which the image reproduction unit is arranged upwards out of the user's field of vision; and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a latching device and a notch, arranged such that, when rotated in a direction of rotation about the axis of rotation, the latching device adopts a holding position engaged in the notch and, when rotated further in the direction of rotation, the latching device is released from the notch again, wherein a rotation in the opposite direction of rotation beyond the holding position is not possible, as long as the latching device is engaged in the notch.