Replacement Light Assembly for Hand-Held Medical Diagnostic Instruments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held medical diagnostic instruments face challenges in replacing incandescent lamps with LEDs due to optical, mechanical, and thermal differences, requiring a solution that maintains functionality without modifying the instruments.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly for hand-held medical diagnostic instruments featuring a substrate with a mounted LED, a circuit board, heat sink, and a lens system that replicates the optical characteristics of incandescent lamps, with thermal and electrical connectors to ensure compatibility and efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If incandescent lamps are replaced with LEDs, then illumination capabilities and operating characteristics are improved, but mechanical and optical compatibility with existing instruments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light source system into a modular light assembly that can be independently replaced. The LED-based light assembly is segmented into separate components (LED module, lens, housing) that can be installed as a unit without modifying the instrument's optical path or mechanical structure, thus maintaining compatibility while improving operating characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary light assembly that acts as a bridge between the existing incandescent lamp interface and the new LED technology. This intermediate assembly contains adaptive optical elements and mounting mechanisms that translate the instrument's original mechanical interface to accommodate the different physical characteristics of LEDs.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If incandescent lamps are replaced with LEDs, then life and shock resistance are improved, but optical characteristics and size compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by incorporating specialized optical elements (lenses, reflectors) at specific locations within the light assembly to compensate for the different emission characteristics of LEDs compared to incandescent lamps. The optical path is locally modified with these elements while the overall assembly maintains the original size and shape compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes optical parameters by introducing optical elements that modify the light emission pattern, intensity distribution, and spectral characteristics. These parameter changes are achieved through adaptive lenses and reflectors that transform the LED's natural emission into a pattern compatible with the instrument's optical system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a replacement light assembly is designed, then compatibility with existing instruments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated light assembly unit. The LED module, optical elements, housing, and mounting mechanisms are combined into one pre-assembled unit that interfaces with the instrument as a single replacement component, thereby reducing the complexity of installation and system integration despite the internal complexity of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal light assembly design that can be adapted to multiple instrument types and configurations. The assembly incorporates standardized mounting interfaces and adjustable optical elements that provide multi-functionality, allowing the same basic design to accommodate different instrument requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
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 the seamless replacement of incandescent lamps with LEDs in medical diagnostic instruments, enhancing durability and illumination while maintaining the instruments' functionality without requiring mechanical or optical modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink, and a conductor thermally connecting at least one of the first and second electrical terminals of the substrate to the heat sink
Implementation Method 2
a lens system that replicates the optical characteristics of incandescent lamps
Implementation Method 3
a light source mounted to the top surface... a light assembly for hand-held medical diagnostic instruments featuring a substrate with a mounted LED
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly for a hand-held medical diagnostic instrument. The light assembly includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a light source mounted to the top surface, and the bottom surface having first and second electrical terminals. The light assembly further includes a circuit board disposed inclined to the substrate, the circuit board having first and second electrical terminals, a first connector mounting and electrically connecting the first electrical terminal of the substrate to the first electrical terminal of the circuit board, a second connector mounting and electrically connecting the second electrical terminal of the substrate to the second electrical terminal of the circuit board, a heat sink, and a thermal conductor thermally connecting at least one of the first and second electrical terminals of the substrate to the heat sink.