Automatically Focusing Overhead Light for Operating Room
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating room (OR) lighting systems require manual positioning and focusing, leading to distraction, frustration, and increased costs due to frequent adjustments, which can compromise patient safety and surgical precision.
Innovation Solution
An automatically focusing overhead lighting system with a master module and peripheral modules, utilizing a distance sensor to measure and adjust the position of lamps, ensuring precise illumination and minimizing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning and focusing of OR lamps is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the surgical team experiences distraction and frustration due to frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The OR lamp system automatically adjusts its own position and focusing without requiring manual intervention. The control module receives input signals from the surgical team or pre-programmed parameters and autonomously actuates the positioning and focusing mechanisms, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for frequent manual adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors, control modules, and motorized actuators. The mechanical positioning and focusing mechanisms are controlled electronically through a control module that processes input signals and translates them into precise mechanical movements, substituting human manual operation with an automated electromechanical system
2Reliability
If manual positioning and focusing of OR lamps is used, then the device complexity remains low, but surgical precision and patient safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control module receives input signals from the surgical team indicating the desired position and focus point, processes these signals, and continuously monitors the lamp's position and focusing state. The system adjusts its operation based on this feedback loop, ensuring the lighting consistently meets the required precision and reliability standards for surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system can be pre-programmed with surgical parameters and lighting requirements before the procedure begins. The control module is configured in advance with the necessary positioning and focusing parameters, allowing the OR lamp to automatically execute precise adjustments without requiring real-time manual intervention during the surgery, thereby ensuring reliability from the outset
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent manual adjustments of OR lamps are made, then the lighting can be redirected to areas of interest, but staff comfort and surgical efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The OR lamp system autonomously adapts to different surgical areas and lighting requirements without requiring frequent manual redirection. The control module processes input signals and automatically repositions and refocuses the lamps, allowing the system to serve itself while maintaining adaptability to various surgical needs, thereby eliminating the productivity loss associated with manual adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning and focusing mechanisms are designed to be dynamically adjustable through motorized actuators controlled by the control module. The system can quickly and smoothly transition between different positions and focus points in response to input signals, providing adaptability to various surgical areas while maintaining high productivity by eliminating the interruptions caused by manual adjustments
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
The system reduces the need for frequent light adjustments, saving time and costs, improving staff comfort, and enhancing surgical precision by providing consistent and intense illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a master module having a sensor for measuring distance to an area of interest
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead lighting system is set forth comprising a master module having a sensor for measuring distance to an area of interest, and at least one peripheral module pivotally connected to the master module, the at least one peripheral module having at least one lamp and a mechanism for pivoting the at least one peripheral module to an angle relative to the master module based on the distance to the area of interest, for focusing the at least one lamp on the area of interest.