Ophthalmic Microscope Positioning Unit Using Double Rocker Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current observation devices for ophthalmic microscopes face challenges in sterilization, maintenance, and cost due to complex mechanical designs, which can lead to contamination and increased operational costs, especially when handling the eye's posterior region during surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A positioning unit with a connection device that uses double oscillating gears to move optical elements along the microscope's beam path, eliminating the need for linear guides and allowing for easier sterilization and reduced manufacturing costs by using plastic components, which can be disposable and sterile, reducing the risk of contamination and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If linear guides and screw drives are used for positioning optical elements, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of sterilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems (linear guides, screw drives) with a simpler mechanical linkage system consisting of levers and connecting elements. This substitution maintains positioning functionality while eliminating components that are difficult to sterilize and maintain, directly resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning unit is divided into modular components (first lever, second lever, connecting elements) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for ease of sterilization while maintaining overall positioning precision, addressing both aspects of the contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If rubber seals and lubricants are used in linear guides, then functionality is improved, but sterilization durability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the positioning unit as a disposable component that can be sterilized repeatedly without degradation. By eliminating rubber seals and lubricants that decompose during sterilization, the unit achieves true single-use capability, resolving the contradiction between operational functionality and sterilization durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes problematic materials (rubber seals, lubricants) from the design entirely. The positioning function is achieved through dry mechanical linkages that require no sealing or lubrication, eliminating the source of sterilization degradation while maintaining guide functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If metal components are used for linear guides and screw drives, then dimensional accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs plastic materials with embedded metal inserts or reinforcement elements to achieve dimensional accuracy comparable to all-metal constructions. This composite approach reduces manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining the precision required for optical positioning, resolving the contradiction between dimensional accuracy and ease of manufacture.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The apparatus (11) has a connection device (21) connecting the apparatus to a microscope, and a positioning element (22) comprising two double rocker gear-units (31, 32). The rocker gear-units are connected to each other by a common coupling element (33) over a gear transmission (43) such that movement of one of the double rocker gear-units is transferable to the other double rocker gear-unit. The positioning apparatus is partially formed from plastic material. The double rocker gear-units and the gear transmission are formed together in a single-piece.