Slit-Lamp Camera Mounting via Segmented Pivoting Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slit-lamp assemblies are limited by the integration of cameras, which reduces their functionality, are expensive, occupy dedicated space, and require specialized training and equipment for effective use.
Innovation Solution
A slit-lamp photo assembly with a third pivoting arm and plate spindle assembly that allows for the removable and adjustable attachment of a digital camera and LED ring light, enabling cost-effective, adaptable, and user-friendly photography integration with existing slit-lamp systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is integrated into the microscope of a slit-lamp, then photography capability is achieved, but the functionality and adaptability of the slit-lamp is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented from the microscope and positioned on a separate third pivoting arm. This allows the camera to be independently mounted and positioned without integrating it into the microscope structure, thereby maintaining the microscope's original functionality while adding photography capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The third pivoting arm with camera is designed to be universally compatible with existing slit-lamp assemblies. The camera can be positioned to capture images through the microscope oculars or at other angles, providing multiple functions including photography, videography, and documentation without limiting the slit-lamp's examination capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated photo slit-lamp is used, then photography capability is achieved, but expensive equipment and dedicated space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the photography function with the existing slit-lump assembly by adding a camera to the third pivoting arm. This combination allows the practitioner to use both the slit-lamp for examination and the camera for documentation in a single integrated setup, eliminating the need for separate dedicated photo slit-lamp equipment and reducing overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The third pivoting arm acts as an intermediary structure that connects the camera to the slit-lamp assembly. This intermediary allows the camera to be mounted on the existing vertical column without requiring modification of the microscope or other core components, thereby avoiding the high cost of dedicated photo slit-lamp systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is added to the slit-lamp, then photography capability is achieved, but the setup becomes difficult and time consuming to use
Solution Approach 1:
The third pivoting arm is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the camera to be positioned at various angles and heights by rotating the arm around the vertical column. This dynamic positioning capability enables easy adjustment of the camera to capture different views and angles during examination, making the system easy to operate without requiring specialized training.
4Ease of operation
If a third pivoting arm with removable camera attachment is used, then adaptability and ease of use are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera attachment mechanism is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main slit-lamp structure. The camera can be easily attached to or removed from the third pivoting arm without affecting the core functionality of the slit-lamp or microscope, thereby improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A slit-lamp assembly that has a pivoting arm that is removably connected to a vertical column associated with a frame. The pivoting arm supports a plate spindle assembly that supports a camera wherein the plate spindle assembly includes a bracket that secures a digital camera thereto and a light assembly thereto so that the lens of the camera is disposed through a circular opening of the light assembly.