Surgical Microscope Inertia Control for Easier Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical microscopy systems face challenges in user friendliness and safety due to inertial forces during manual repositioning, which can lead to user fatigue and reduced efficiency, and existing solutions to reduce inertia compromise system robustness and usability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically adjust the modulable inertia of a surgical microscopy system based on state variables, user information, and current application instances, using a control device to control drive devices and reduce the divergence between specified and actual inertia values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inertia of the microscopy system is reduced through design measures, then the effort required by the user to move the system is decreased, but the system robustness and movement stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inertia of the microscopy system可调 (adjustable) rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the inertia parameter based on operational requirements, allowing the system to exhibit low inertia when user effort is needed and high inertia when stability is required. This resolves the contradiction by making inertia a variable parameter that adapts to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of inertia from a constant design property to a dynamically adjustable parameter. The control device modifies the inertia parameter in response to detected operational conditions, such as user input forces or desired movement characteristics. This allows the system to optimize between ease of operation and robustness by adjusting the inertia parameter rather than being constrained by fixed mechanical design.
2Reliability
If the inertia of the microscopy system is increased to improve movement stability, then system robustness is enhanced, but user fatigue increases during prolonged operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts inertia based on operational context. During prolonged operation when user fatigue is a concern, the control device reduces the inertia parameter to decrease the effort required for movement. When movement stability is prioritized, the inertia parameter is increased. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different operational phases and user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors operational parameters and user interaction forces, using this feedback to dynamically adjust the inertia parameter. When the system detects that high user effort is being applied over time (indicating fatigue), it reduces inertia to ease operation. When stability is detected as needed, it increases inertia. This feedback mechanism allows real-time optimization between stability and user comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual repositioning of the microscope is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but inertial forces oppose the movement and reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains operational flexibility by allowing manual repositioning while dynamically adjusting the inertia parameter to enhance repositioning efficiency. When manual movement is detected or anticipated, the control device reduces the inertia parameter to minimize inertial opposition to movement. This allows the system to maintain the adaptability of manual operation while improving the efficiency of the repositioning action itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device anticipates manual repositioning actions and preemptively adjusts the inertia parameter to counteract the upcoming inertial forces. By reducing inertia before the user initiates movement, the system prepares the mechanics to be more compliant and easier to move. This preliminary adjustment opposes the harmful inertial forces before they fully manifest, improving repositioning efficiency while maintaining manual operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a microscopy system is provided. The microscopy system includes a microscope and a stand supporting the microscope. The microscope is arranged on the stand. The stand includes at least one drive device configured to move the microscope. The method includes determining a specified value or a specified change of a modulable inertia of the microscopy system based on a state variable and/or based on user information and/or based on a force acting on the microscopy system and/or based on a current instance of application. The at least one drive device is controlled such that a divergence between the specified value and an actual value of the modulable inertia is reduced or the modulable inertia is varied in accordance with the specified change.