Ophthalmic Workstation Layout for Microscope Travel and Patient Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic workstations are not designed for convenient use, particularly in terms of microscope displacement and patient positioning, which hinders efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
The workstation incorporates an X-displacement stage and a Z-displacement stage for the microscope, allowing horizontal movement along the X and Z directions, with a partially embedded base unit and a headrest design that minimizes the height projection over the table surface, along with a movable shield to cover the access opening and a chin rest drive for vertical adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the base unit is mounted fully on the table surface, then the microscope can be easily accessed, but the height projection increases making operation less convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is partially embedded into the table, with the embedded section positioned within the table thickness and the cover section extending above the table surface. This nesting approach reduces the overall height projection while maintaining functionality, as the base unit utilizes the table's internal space rather than occupying additional external volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit transitions from a purely surface-mounted configuration to a three-dimensional configuration that extends vertically into the table. By utilizing the vertical dimension within the table structure, the design reduces the horizontal footprint and optimizes space utilization, improving ergonomics without sacrificing accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the microscope is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the microscope cannot be adjusted to different working positions
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to be movable relative to the base unit, allowing the microscope to be repositioned along the X and Z directions. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different working positions and patient requirements, transforming a static structure into a flexible system that responds to varying operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is divided into distinct functional sections: an embedded section within the table, a platform for microscope mounting, and a cover section above the table surface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component, with the platform serving as a movable intermediate element that provides positioning flexibility without complicating the overall structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the access opening is left uncovered, then the platform can move freely, but the opening exposes the internal components
Solution Approach 1:
A shield is introduced as an intermediary element between the access opening and the internal components. The shield can be positioned to cover the opening when the platform is stationary, protecting internal components from contaminants, while allowing the platform to move freely when the shield is repositioned or removed, thus mediating between protection and accessibility requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The ophthalmic workstation comprises a table (6) having a top surface (24), a base unit (4) mounted to the table (6), a microscope (2), and a headrest (8). The base unit (4) includes an X-displacement stage (28), a Z- displacement stage (30), and a platform (26) mounted to the X-displacement stage (28) and the Z-displacement stage (30). The microscope (2) is mounted to the platform (26). The table (6) comprises an opening (48) in its top surface (24). An embedded section (46) of the base unit (4) is located, at least in part, in this recess or opening (48). The headrest (8) is mounted to a headrest section (70) of the base unit (4), which projects laterally over an edge (72) of the table (6).