Flat Panel Light Module Dynamic Beam Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illumination systems in surgical theaters and medical suites face challenges with dynamic lighting needs due to the movement of personnel and equipment, leading to issues with positioning, shadows, luminosity, glare, and cleaning.

Innovation Solution

The proposed illumination system includes a modular design with movable and stationary light sources, integrated imagers for real-time image processing, and a control system that adjusts light direction, intensity, and color based on captured image data and user inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If lighting is suspended from the ceiling in the presence of other medical equipment, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity and cleaning difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination coverage areaVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is divided into multiple independent light modules that can be individually positioned and adjusted. Each module contains its own light sources and positioning mechanisms, allowing the system to cover large areas without requiring a single complex overhead structure. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive illumination coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light modules are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed, enabling dynamic repositioning to adapt to changing surgical needs and equipment arrangements. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain optimal illumination coverage without requiring permanent installation of complex ceiling-suspended structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If multiple light sources are used to cover dynamic surgical areas, then illumination quality is improved, but positioning and shadow control become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination qualityVSAvoidpositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that detect the positions of surgical personnel and equipment, automatically adjusting the positioning and orientation of light modules in real-time. This feedback control enables multiple light sources to coordinate their positions and angles, maintaining high illumination quality while eliminating the complexity of manual positioning for each light source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Each light module is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform multiple functions: providing illumination, adjusting its position, orienting its beam, and coordinating with other modules. This universal design simplifies operation by allowing a single control system to manage all positioning and orientation tasks for multiple light sources simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If fixed lighting positions are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to moving personnel and instruments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidlighting adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs movable light modules with adjustable positioning mechanisms that can be easily repositioned along tracks or rails. This dynamic design allows the lighting system to adapt to moving personnel and instruments while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structures, achieving a balance between adaptability and system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The light modules incorporate automatic positioning and orientation capabilities that allow them to self-adjust their positions and angles in response to detected changes in the surgical environment. This self-service functionality provides adaptability to moving personnel and instruments without requiring complex centralized control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4044957B1Flat panel light module with dynamic beam
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 GENTEX CORP
  • EP4044957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4044957B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4044957B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An illumination system includes a light assembly. The light assembly may include a housing having a first zone and a second zone isolated from the first zone. The housing may be configured to fit generally flush with a ceiling. A movable light source may be positioned within the first zone and is configured to emit a first light. A stationary light source may be positioned within the second zone and is configured to emit a second light.