C-Shaped Light Delivery Assembly for Shadow-Free Surgical Illumination
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light delivery systems for surgical and medical applications are cumbersome, costly, and often cause glare, shadows, and heat, while failing to provide efficient illumination and sterilization across a range of light spectra.
Innovation Solution
A light delivery assembly with a C-shaped shell that connects to a light source, diffuses light inwardly and downwardly, and features a faceted reflector to prevent glare and reflections, allowing for even illumination of surgical sites while maintaining a clear view for surgeons and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If overhead lights are used to illuminate surgical sites, then illumination is provided, but glare and shadows are simultaneously created making it difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The light delivery assembly divides the illumination task into multiple segments by using multiple light sources positioned at different locations around the surgical site, with each source illuminating a specific zone to eliminate shadows while reducing glare through distributed lighting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical diffusers and reflectors as intermediary elements between the light sources and the surgical site to modify light distribution patterns, reducing direct glare while maintaining illumination through scattered light paths
2Ease of operation
If head lamps are used for illumination, then portable lighting is achieved, but they cast shadows of hands or instruments and are intrinsically heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light sources distributed around the surgical field rather than a single head-mounted source, allowing each segment to illuminate specific areas without casting shadows from the surgeon's hands or instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point light source in three-dimensional space to a distributed array of light sources, effectively adding spatial distribution as another dimension of illumination to eliminate shadow formation
3Illumination intensity
If small lamps with bulbs or fiber-optical elements are used, then localized illumination is provided, but they are costly, complicated, and require multiple connections and bulky fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources, diffusers, and structural elements into a single integrated light delivery assembly that functions as one unified device, eliminating the need for separate bulbs, fiber-optical elements, and multiple connections while providing localized illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The light delivery assembly is designed as a universal, multi-functional device that combines illumination, structural support, and optical modification in a single unit that can be adapted to various surgical applications without requiring complex specialized components
4Illumination intensity
If light fixtures incorporate elements such as light bulbs into complex structures, then illumination is provided, but manufacturing costs are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines illumination elements and structural components into an integrated assembly that can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining effective illumination performance
5Reliability
If UV light or sterilizing radiation is applied, then sterilization and disinfection are achieved, but it requires specialized equipment and may cause harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or controlled application of UV light cycles, activating sterilizing radiation only when needed and for specific durations, thereby achieving effective sterilization while minimizing cumulative harmful exposure to patients and surgical materials
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical filters and protective barriers as intermediaries to selectively transmit beneficial UV wavelengths for sterilization while blocking harmful radiation, and to protect sensitive surgical materials and patient tissues from excessive radiation exposure
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 assembly provides effective, shadow-free illumination and sterilization across various light spectra, enhancing surgical efficiency and safety by minimizing glare and heat, and allowing for the use of UV light for disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
light from the source is reflected within the assembly and emitted onto the site
Implementation Method 2
the window member provides an inner shell that diffuses light to improve the quality of the light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for light delivery assemblies and, more particularly to light delivery assemblies/systems that provide light to and/or illuminate/treat predetermined locations (e.g., surgical sites), and related methods of use. An exemplary light delivery assembly (e.g., a surgical site light) includes a shell/housing (e.g., a plastic shell/housing) with a cross-sectional shape similar to an inward-facing asymmetrical C. The shell/housing is shaped to be placed proximal to a site (e.g., surgical site) and emit light onto the site from a plurality of directions while inhibiting the light from radiating away from the outside of the shell/housing. Exemplary light delivery assemblies of the present disclosure can be utilized for a variety of different applications/treatments/uses (e.g., surgical applications, disinfection/sterilization especially UV in the UVC wavelength range, other UV treatment, infrared heating and treatment, therapy, IR light delivery, use of all/other wavelengths of light, etc.).