Force compensating device and use in a medical system

A force compensating device comprising:

• a force generating unit comprising at least one spring element, wherein the force generating unit is configured to generate a compensating force to at least partially counteract a tractive force acting on the force compensating device;
• a safety unit coupled to the force generating unit, wherein the safety unit is rotatable about a first axis of rotation, wherein the safety unit comprises a first element and a second element that are rotatably connected to each other at a second axis of rotation, and wherein the safety unit is configured to be moved from an operating position to a locked position by the force generating unit when the force generating unit has a malfunction;
• a housing having an inside face, wherein the inside face comprises a latching recess, and wherein the latching recess is configured for engagement with the safety unit in the locked position;
• and
• a locking unit configured to block movement of the safety unit from the locked position to the operating position when the safety unit is triggered as a result of the malfunction.

A method for counterbalancing a component of a medical system, the method comprising:

• providing a force compensating device in the medical system, wherein the force compensating device is coupled directly or indirectly to the component, and wherein the force compensating device is configured to counterbalance a force exerted by the component's weight;
• wherein the force compensating device comprises:
• a force generating unit configured to generate a compensating force to at least partially counteract a tractive force acting on the force compensating device;
• a safety unit coupled to the force generating unit, wherein the safety unit is rotatable about a first axis of rotation, wherein the safety unit comprises a first element and a second element that are rotatably connected to each other at a second axis of rotation, and wherein the safety unit is configured to be moved from an operating position to a locked position by the force generating unit when the force generating unit has a malfunction;
• and
• a locking unit configured to block movement of the safety unit from the locked position to the operating position when the safety unit is triggered as a result of the malfunction.