Head-Mounted Illumination Device with Magnetic Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Illumination devices for medical and dental applications often suffer from entanglement issues due to long wires connecting the light to a battery worn at the waist, and require manual alignment of connectors, which can be difficult with gloves or in poor lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device with a light connector and battery connector that uses magnetic or mechanical connectors to couple directly to the user's head or body, eliminating the need for wires and facilitating easy alignment without manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If long wires are used to connect the light to the battery worn at the waist, then the battery can be positioned away from the head, but the wires become entangled in other equipment and may detach or render askew eyewear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wire connection from the system by implementing a wireless power transmission mechanism. The light and battery communicate and transfer power through electromagnetic fields or optical wireless technology, completely removing the physical wire that caused entanglement and detachment issues while maintaining the ability to position the battery away from the head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication module that mediates between the light and battery. This module uses electromagnetic waves or optical signals to transmit power and data, serving as a non-contact intermediary that eliminates the need for direct wire connection while ensuring reliable power transfer.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment and coupling of connectors is required, then precise connection can be achieved, but it becomes difficult to perform with gloves, in poorly lit conditions, or in areas that cannot be viewed directly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning connectors with magnetic attraction forces that automatically guide and position the connecting parts. When the light and battery are brought near each other, the magnetic field automatically aligns the connectors without requiring manual positioning, enabling hands-free operation even with gloves on or in poor lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated magnetic alignment system. The magnetic field provides both the alignment force and the connection force, substituting the need for manual visual inspection and precise mechanical positioning with an automatic field-based system.
3Use of energy by moving object
If wires are used to connect the light and battery, then power transmission can be achieved, but the wires can become entangled and detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wire from the power transmission system by implementing wireless power technology. Power is transmitted through electromagnetic fields or optical beams, completely removing the physical wire infrastructure and its associated management complexity while maintaining efficient power delivery from battery to light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electromagnetic fields as the power transmission medium, analogous to using fluid pressure in pneumatic systems. The electromagnetic field acts as an invisible carrier that transmits energy through space without physical contact, replacing the mechanical wire connection with a field-based transmission system.
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 secure, wire-free illumination system that is easy to couple and decouple, even in challenging conditions, allowing for hands-free operation and versatility in battery usage.
Implementation Method 1
The battery connector may include a magnetic connector
Data Source
AI summary
Illumination devices are described. In one embodiment, an illumination device includes a light configured to be coupled to eyewear or a mask, such as a surgical loupe or a dental loupe. The illumination device also includes a battery configured to be coupled to the light. The light and the battery may be connected by a light connector and a battery connector. The illumination device also includes a battery coupling device coupled to the battery. The battery coupling device may be configured to couple the battery to a body part of a user. For example, the battery coupling device may include arms that wrap around a back of a head of a user, and grip or hold the sides of a head of a user.