Surgical Microscope Bridge for Ergonomic Stand Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical microscopes with large screens require significant space and repositioning during procedures, affecting ergonomics and image quality due to the need for precise alignment, which is hindered by separate stands and kinematic systems that alter distances and angles.
Innovation Solution
A surgical microscope with a digiscope and imaging unit interconnected on a rotatable arm bridge, allowing for adjustable and fixed distance settings, enabling quick repositioning without altering the distance between the digiscope and imaging unit, and incorporating joints for ergonomic posture and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screen is arranged on an additional stand, then the screen can be positioned at an optimal distance and angle from the surgeon, but the surgical microscope and screen have to be moved frequently during procedures, reducing the speed of the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microscope and screen into a single integrated unit mounted on one stand, eliminating the need for separate stands. This integration allows both components to be repositioned together as a single assembly, maintaining optimal ergonomic positioning for the surgeon while reducing the frequency and complexity of repositioning operations during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated stand serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports both the microscope and screen, enables ergonomic positioning, and provides a stable platform that maintains relative positions during procedures. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate positioning systems and reduces procedural interruptions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the microscope is connected to the screen by way of a kinematic system, then one element can be moved while the other follows, but the distance between microscope and screen changes, negatively affecting ergonomics and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rigid mechanical connection between the microscope and screen mounted on the same stand, allowing both components to move together as a unified assembly. This dynamic configuration maintains a constant relative distance and optimal alignment between microscope and screen during repositioning operations, preserving ergonomic conditions and image quality while still enabling flexible movement of the entire assembly.
3Device complexity
If the microscope is integrated in the screen and securely connected to the latter, then the angle of the microscope is determined by the angle of the screen, but either the screen cannot be positioned ergonomically or the microscope cannot be advantageously arranged over the operating field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated unit into distinct segments: the microscope portion and the screen portion, both mounted on the same stand but capable of independent angular adjustment. This segmentation allows the microscope to be positioned optimally over the operating field while the screen is angled ergonomically for the surgeon, resolving the conflict between integrated structure and positioning flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A stand for a surgical microscope includes a digiscope and an imaging unit which are interconnected and mounted on an arm of the stand at a joint rotatably about an axis of rotation. The digiscope and the imaging unit are arranged on a bridge such that a fixed spatial relationship, in particular a distance larger than zero between the digiscope and the imaging unit during a relative movement between the digiscope and the patient is maintained. A method for configuring a stand with a bridge includes determining distances between eyes of a surgeon and the imaging unit, between the surgeon and an operating field, between the receptacle of the digiscope and the operating field, and between the imaging unit and the receptacle of the digiscope, and determining a length of the bridge to optimally set a distance from the surgeon to the patient and the imaging unit for the surgeon.