Surgical Microscope Stand Torque Compensation for Overhead Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical microscope stands face challenges with disturbing geometry, limited overhead clearance, and inefficiencies in load compensation, particularly due to the large space requirements of mechanical balancing mechanisms and interference with the surgical field of view.
Innovation Solution
A stand design incorporating a torque compensation assembly with a first and second torque compensation mechanism, utilizing a compression spring and an electrical motor, to minimize swivel range and provide counter torque for load and angle-dependent weight compensation, while maintaining a compact and inconspicuous appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a mechanical balancing mechanism with a compression spring is used for load compensation, then weight compensation is achieved, but the space required is very large leading to massive interference geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical compression spring balancing mechanism with an electromechanical system. An electric motor (220) with a gear mechanism (221) provides the balancing torque, eliminating the need for a large compression spring. This substitution reduces the space required for the balancing mechanism while maintaining the weight compensation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the method of generating balancing torque from elastic deformation (spring) to electromagnetic conversion (motor). The motor can provide the required torque in a compact form factor, and the gear mechanism (221) allows for torque multiplication, enabling effective weight compensation with reduced spatial requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large swivel range is provided for the carrier arm, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the overhead clearance for personnel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the balancing mechanism into two independent parts: a first torque compensation assembly (210) that moves with the carrier arm and provides load-dependent torque, and a second torque compensation assembly (220) that is fixedly mounted and provides angle-independent torque. This segmentation allows the carrier arm to swivel through a large range while maintaining adequate overhead clearance, as the fixed motor (220) does not interfere with the swivel path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the conflict between swivel range and overhead clearance by positioning the second torque compensation assembly (220) in a different spatial arrangement. The fixed motor is mounted on the first stand part rather than on the swiveling carrier arm, placing it outside the primary swivel arc. This dimensional repositioning allows the carrier arm to achieve a swivel range of at least 60 degrees while maintaining overhead clearance of at least 100 mm.
3Strength
If the carrier arm is made stiff and strong for load bearing, then structural integrity is improved, but the disturbing geometry in the field of view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky mechanical compression spring system with a compact electromechanical balancing system. The electric motor (220) and gear mechanism (221) can be housed in a compact configuration that minimizes the visual and physical interference in the surgical field of view, while still providing the necessary balancing torque to support the microscope head and accessories.
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 significantly reduces disturbing geometry, ensures a guaranteed overhead clearance of at least 100 mm for personnel, and allows for smooth, near-force-free movement of the microscope head, enhancing operational safety and efficiency in surgical environments.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring and an electrical motor, to minimize swivel range and provide counter torque for load and angle-dependent weight compensation
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring and an electrical motor, to minimize swivel range and provide counter torque for load and angle-dependent weight compensation
Data Source
AI summary
A stand for a surgical microscope includes a first stand part including a first bearing and a second bearing, a shaft arranged in the first bearing and defining a rotation axis, a second stand part fixedly connected to the shaft, mounted on the first stand part together with the shaft pivotably about the rotation axis, and including a force transmission point, a lever part mounted on the second stand part at the force transmission point, arranged pivotably about the rotation axis, and including a third bearing, and a torque compensation assembly applying a counter torque to the second stand part to compensate a load torque including a dynamic load torque occurring when the second stand part is pivoted about the rotation axis and a static load torque resulting from a gravitation force acting on the second stand part and on elements mounted on the second stand part.