Offset Dual Light Source Illumination for Surgical Microscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination devices for optical observation devices, such as surgical microscopes, face challenges in miniaturization due to limitations in high light output, mechanical, electrical, and thermal constraints, making it difficult to quickly adjust lighting properties like size, angle, and brightness in confined surgical settings.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized lighting device with two individual light sources arranged in a light source plane, where the center of one light source is offset along the axis direction relative to the optical axis, allowing for independent control and combination of light sources to achieve various lighting variants, including coaxial and oblique illumination, with mechanical, electrical, and thermal considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the light source is miniaturized to fit confined surgical space, then the device size is reduced, but the light output and illumination quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple individual light sources (first individual light source and second individual light source) arranged in a light source plane. This segmentation allows each light source to be miniaturized while collectively providing sufficient total light output, resolving the contradiction between small device size and high illumination intensity.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are combined to increase light output, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual light sources are combined in a light source plane with a specific geometric arrangement (offset by amount Δ). This merging provides increased light output while the unified planar structure and standardized offset arrangement keep the mechanical and electrical complexity manageable, resolving the contradiction between high illumination intensity and low device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light source is arranged off-axis to enable oblique illumination, then the lighting versatility is improved, but the alignment precision and optical quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The first individual light source is positioned with its center offset by a specific amount Δ in the positive direction along the first axis direction A1 relative to the optical axis penetration point. This asymmetric arrangement enables oblique illumination capability while the precisely defined offset amount maintains adequate alignment precision and optical quality, resolving the contradiction between lighting versatility and alignment 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
Enables quick switching between different lighting variants with high light output and quality, optimizing illumination for various surgical situations by combining the advantages of coaxial and oblique illumination while minimizing reflection and maintaining high lighting quality.
Implementation Method 1
illumination optics, with which the light source is imaged to infinity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (100) for an optical observation device, comprising a light source consisting of a first individual light source (102b) and a second individual light source (102a) arranged in a plane of the light source. The first individual light source (102b) has a first center point M1 and the second individual light source (102a) has a second center point M2. A first axis direction A1 is defined by a vector from the second center point M2 to the first center point M1. An optical axis Z is defined by an illumination optic, which is arranged perpendicular to the plane of the light source and intersects the plane of the light source at a point of intersection (113), the light source being imaged to infinity by the illumination optic. The first individual light source (102b) has a first extension L1 along the first axis direction A1.The center point M1 is offset by an amount Δ in the positive direction along the axis direction A1 relative to the point (113) of intersection of the optical axis Z through the plane of the light source, wherein the following relationship is satisfied for the offset: 0.1 * L1 ≤ Δ ≤ 1 * L1, preferably 0.15 * L1 ≤ Δ ≤ 0.7 * L1, particularly preferably 0.2 * L1 ≤ Δ ≤ 0.5 * L1.