Medical-Optical Stand Linkage With Cable-Based Orientation Hold

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stand arrangements for medical-optical instruments fail to maintain the orientation of the front link independently of the position of the linkage unit, leading to inefficient space utilization and increased weight.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a mechanically flexible force transfer element, such as a cable, belt, or chain, guided over direction-changing elements like rollers or sprockets, which allows for space-saving configurations with reduced weight, and optional vibration damping through a brake or drive mechanism, while maintaining the orientation of the front link unchanged during movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid coupling mechanism is used between the holding unit and the means for force transmission, then the orientation of the front link can be maintained independently of the linkage unit position, but the device becomes more complex and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation stability of front linkVSAvoidcomplexity of coupling means

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible cable instead of a rigid coupling mechanism to transmit force from the holding unit to the means for force transmission. This flexible element maintains the orientation stability of the front link while significantly reducing device complexity and weight compared to rigid mechanical couplings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid coupling mechanism is used between the holding unit and the means for force transmission, then the orientation of the front link can be maintained independently of the linkage unit position, but the device becomes heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation stability of front linkVSAvoidweight of coupling means

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible cable instead of a rigid coupling mechanism to transmit force from the holding unit to the means for force transmission. This flexible element maintains the orientation stability of the front link while significantly reducing device complexity and weight compared to rigid mechanical couplings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional coupling means are used, then the structure is robust, but the configuration occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidvolume of coupling means

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible cable instead of a rigid coupling mechanism to transmit force from the holding unit to the means for force transmission. This flexible element maintains the orientation stability of the front link while significantly reducing device complexity and weight compared to rigid mechanical couplings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enables a space-saving, lightweight stand arrangement that maintains the orientation of the front link, allowing for efficient force transmission and optional vibration damping, thereby enhancing the usability and stability of medical-optical instruments.

Implementation Method 1

have a mechanically flexible force transmission element which can be loaded in tension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

Flexible force transmission elements, which can be loaded in tension, can be guided over suitable direction-changing elements in order to change the direction of forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the second link is extended in a rearward section in order to form a parallel linkage with two additional links on which parallel linkage at least one compensating weight is provided

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 4

a brake device or a drive can, for example, be assigned to the direction-changing roller or direction-changing sprocket in order to make possible a vibration damping for the medical-optical instrument accommodated on the stand arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20050167550A1Stand arrangement for a medical-optical instrument

Publication Date: 2005.08.04 CARL ZEISS AG

AI summary

A stand arrangement (100) for a medical-optical instrument includes a first link (104) which is pivotally journalled on a holding unit (101) with a first rotational joint. The stand arrangement further includes a second link (107) which is rotatably connected to the first link (104) via a second rotational joint (106). In a forward section (105) of the second link (106), a take-up unit (110) for medical-optical equipment (111) is held with a third rotational joint (109). The take-up unit (110) includes a front link (112) which is coupled to a device for force transmission (115). This device is rotatably journalled on the second rotational joint (106). In the stand arrangement (100), a device is provided for coupling the holding unit and the device for force transmission. This device for coupling includes a flexible force transmitting element (133) which can be loaded in tension.