Stereoscopic Optical System with Single Electromagnetic Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments with stereoscopic optical systems face challenges in achieving a compact design while maintaining a large stereo distance and accommodating large optical elements, which is contradictory due to limited installation space and high costs associated with separate electromagnetic actuators for each lens.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic optical system with a left and right optical channel, each with a guide tube, a stator outside the tubes, and rotors made of paramagnetic/ferromagnetic materials that can move within the tubes using a single electromagnetic actuator, featuring a distal and proximal permanent magnet and an electric coil for efficient magnetic field generation, allowing for a compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two separate electromagnetic actuators are deployed to adjust individual optics, then the optical system can be adjusted independently, but the cost increases and the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate electromagnetic actuators into a single actuator that controls both optical channels. The stator contains two independently controllable coils that generate magnetic fields affecting two respective rotors, each rotor being coupled to a different optical channel. This merging reduces the number of separate actuator assemblies while maintaining independent adjustment capability through electronic control of the two coil systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electromagnetic actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform the work of two separate actuators. The stator incorporates two distinct coil windings that can be independently energized, and the rotor assembly includes two magnetically coupled rotors that can be independently controlled. This universal design allows one actuator structure to provide independent adjustment for both left and right optical channels.
2Illumination intensity
If lenses with large diameter are used to achieve luminous optics, then the optical performance improves, but the available distance between lenses decreases and the tube diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the spatial arrangement by placing the electromagnetic actuator components in a planar configuration within the tube cross-section. The two rotors are positioned side-by-side in the radial direction rather than one behind the other, allowing large-diameter lenses to be accommodated while maintaining adequate stereo distance. The magnetic field interaction occurs in the radial plane, enabling compact integration of large optical elements.
3Reliability
If a large stereo distance is maintained between the two lenses, then the 3D effect improves, but the tube diameter increases and the installation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the electromagnetic actuator components within the tube structure in a space-efficient manner. The stator is positioned with its pole pieces facing each other across the radial direction, and the two rotors are nested within the magnetic field region between the pole pieces. This nested arrangement allows the optical channels to be separated by the required stereo distance while keeping the overall tube diameter minimal, as the actuator components are integrated into the existing tube cross-section rather than adding to it.
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 enables a compact, cost-effective, and efficient stereoscopic optical system with a large stereo base, optimizing space usage and imaging characteristics, while reducing the need for separate actuators and enhancing magnetic flow guidance.
Implementation Method 1
the stator comprises an electric coil for generating the electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the rotor is held stably in its resting position by a magnetic field which is generated by one or more permanent magnets
Implementation Method 3
the rotors each at least partially comprise a paramagnetic and/or ferromagnetic material and can be moved in the longitudinal axial direction by application of an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic optical system including: left and right channels; an electromagnetic actuator including a stator and rotor; wherein first optical components of the left channel are arranged in a left tube and second optical components of the right channel are arranged in a right tube; the stator is arranged outside the guide tubes; the rotor includes a left rotor, in which one or more of the first optical components is accommodated, and a right rotor, in which one or more of the second optical components is accommodated; the left and right rotors are mounted in one of the left and right tubes to be movable in a longitudinal axial direction; the left and right rotors include paramagnetic and/or ferromagnetic material and are movable by an electromagnetic field; the stator includes distal and proximal permanent magnets oppositely polarized; and the stator includes an electric coil for generating the electromagnet field.