Operating Room Lighting Head Segmented Source Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical lighting devices for operating rooms lack the ability to efficiently and economically adjust the size and intensity of the light spot to suit varying surgical needs.

Innovation Solution

A medical lighting device with a lighting head that can form multiple light spots of different sizes and intensities by controlling central and peripheral light sources, using a handle with detection and indexing means to pivot and switch between modes, and incorporating optical forks or sensors for contactless position detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources are used to adjust light spot size and intensity, then lighting flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting head is divided into multiple independent light sources (central light source and peripheral light sources) that can be controlled separately. Each light source can be independently switched on or off to create different lighting modes (first lighting mode with only central source, second lighting mode with central and first peripheral source, third lighting mode with additional second peripheral source, etc.), enabling flexible adjustment of light spot size and intensity without requiring a completely redesignable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is designed to be pivotable relative to the lighting head body, allowing dynamic switching between different lighting modes. The handle can rotate between a first angular position (activating first lighting mode), second angular position (activating second lighting mode), third angular position (activating third lighting mode), and fourth angular position (activating fourth lighting mode). This mechanical dynamic element provides intuitive control over the static light source configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If contactless detection means are used for handle position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system replaces traditional mechanical contact-based position sensing with contactless detection means. Optical forks (first optical fork and second optical fork) are positioned to detect the angular position of the handle without physical contact. This substitution eliminates wear and friction associated with mechanical contacts, improving reliability while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation through the use of optical detection elements integrated into the handle and lighting head body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If indexing means are added to prevent untimely control, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Indexing means are incorporated into the handle mechanism to provide predetermined angular positions (first determined angular position, second determined angular position, third determined angular position, fourth determined angular position) that correspond to the four lighting modes. These indexing positions guide the operator to the correct handle orientation before activation, ensuring that lighting modes are switched at the appropriate times and preventing accidental or premature activation. The indexing feature is integrated into the existing handle structure, adding minimal complexity while significantly improving operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables flexible adjustment of light spot size and intensity, reducing the risk of untimely control and enhancing reliability through contactless detection and ergonomic operation.

Implementation Method 1

the detection means may comprise at least one optical fork comprising a light emitter and a receiver located opposite the emitter and capable of detecting a light signal emitted by said emitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP3081857B1Medical lighting device
Publication Date: 2017.11.08 STERIS
  • EP3081857B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3081857B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3081857B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a medical lighting device, particularly for an operating room, comprising a lighting head (6) including a first light source (10a) and at least a second light source (10b), offset laterally from the first light source (10a) with respect to the lighting direction of the first light source (10a), control means capable of turning on the first light source (10a) in a first lighting mode and capable of turning on the first light source (10a) and the second light source (10b) in at least a second lighting mode.