Spring-Tensioned Laser Mount for Operating Room Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for remote participation in operating room procedures lack effective means for a remote viewer to accurately and intuitively direct a laser pointer within the operating room, requiring those present to divert attention from the procedure to view marked-up screens.
Innovation Solution
A laser mount system that includes a spring-tensioned hinge mechanism, allowing for precise vertical and horizontal adjustments of a laser pointer relative to a camera, enabling the remote viewer to control the laser's position within the operating room view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a remote viewer uses a marked-up screen to indicate positions, then the remote viewer can communicate with the operating room, but the personnel in the operating room must divert their attention from the procedure to view the marked-up screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser pointer as an intermediary device that projects indicators directly onto the surgical site or equipment in the operating room. This allows remote viewers to communicate positions and points of interest without requiring personnel to look away from the procedure at a separate marked-up screen. The laser acts as a mediator that bridges the remote viewer's annotations with the physical surgical environment, enabling communication while maintaining continuous visual attention on the procedure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a laser pointer is mounted rigidly to a camera, then the laser position is fixed relative to the camera view, but the laser cannot be adjusted to align precisely with the camera's field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the laser pointer's position and orientation to be dynamically adjusted relative to the camera. These mechanisms enable precise alignment of the laser with the camera's field of view while maintaining a stable relative position once adjusted. The adjustability allows for fine-tuning the laser-camera relationship to achieve exact alignment, resolving the contradiction between rigid stability 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
This solution enhances real-time interaction and communication between remote viewers and operating room personnel by allowing precise and intuitive direction of the laser, improving safety, efficiency, and reducing the need for physical presence.
Implementation Method 1
a connection between the first layer and the first end forming a spring-tensioned hinge, such that deflection of the second end about the connection imparts a spring tension to the second layer
Data Source
AI summary
A laser mount for fixedly coupling a laser pointer includes: a first layer; a second layer including a first end and a second end, a connection between the first layer and the first end forming a spring-tensioned hinge, such that deflection of the second end about the connection imparts a spring tension to the second layer, and the second end being spaced apart from the first layer; a first adjustment screw configured to vertically couple the first layer and the second end and to adjust a vertical spring tension between the first layer and the second layer; and a second adjustment screw configured to horizontally couple the first layer and the second end and to adjust a horizontal spring tension between the first layer and the second layer.