Helical Lighting Modules for Surgical Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical lighting devices for operating rooms are complex to assemble and adapt, and they obstruct air flow from laminar flow ventilation systems, limiting their ability to provide flexible lighting solutions for varying surgical needs.

Innovation Solution

A medical lighting device with a modular design featuring a helical-shaped lighting module and a hub with adjustable connection zones, allowing for easy configuration of lighting modules and air circulation, along with light diffusion means using movable lenses to adjust the light spot size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional lighting devices use identical hexagonal modules assembled in a honeycomb pattern, then the structure is mechanically stable, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is divided into separate functional modules: a hub component and multiple lighting modules that can be independently assembled. Each lighting module contains its own light sources and can be connected to the hub through simple connection zones, eliminating the need for complex mechanical interlocking between modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hub component is designed with multiple identical connection zones that can accommodate different numbers and configurations of lighting modules. This universal interface allows the same hub to support various lighting arrangements (linear, radial, clustered) without requiring different structural components.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional lighting devices use identical hexagonal modules assembled in a honeycomb pattern, then mechanical assembly is simplified, but adaptability to different lighting needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidlighting configuration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable. Lighting modules can be freely connected to and disconnected from the hub's connection zones, allowing the system to adapt its structure and lighting pattern according to different surgical requirements without permanent structural constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changes in lighting parameters (number of modules, spatial arrangement, intensity distribution) by simply adding or removing lighting modules from the hub's connection zones. The same physical infrastructure supports multiple operational configurations through parameter variation rather than structural modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If conventional lighting devices block air flow, then structural support is provided, but compatibility with laminar flow ventilation systems decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidair flow obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting modules are designed with curved or circular arrangements around the surgical site rather than flat planar configurations. This three-dimensional spherical distribution of light sources provides structural support while creating gaps that allow laminar air flow to pass through the lighting device from ceiling to floor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting device transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spherical configuration. By distributing light sources in multiple spatial dimensions around the surgical field, the device maintains structural integrity while creating vertical channels for air flow, thus resolving the conflict between support strength and ventilation compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution provides a simple, economical, and reliable lighting system that can be adapted to different surgical needs, ensuring homogeneous illumination and compatibility with laminar flow ventilation systems.

Implementation Method 1

said corrugated surfaces of the lenses being arranged opposite one another, so as to cause the light rays which pass through them to converge or diverge as a function of their respective positions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2710292B1Medical illumination device for operating unit
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 STERIS
  • EP2710292B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2710292B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2710292B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Medical illumination device for operating unit. The invention relates to a medical illumination device for an operating unit, comprising an articulated arm one end of which is fixed and a mobile opposite end of which is connected to a hub (2) comprising at least one region (7) of connection and attachment of a lighting module (9), on which region at least one lighting module (9) is mounted. Each lighting module (9) is of helicoid overall shape.