Surgical Headlight Optical Assembly for Uniform Light and Lower Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical headlights suffer from poor light uniformity, unacceptable color separation, heaviness, and discomfort due to large doublet lenses, which affect clinician comfort during lengthy procedures.
Innovation Solution
A headlight design featuring a series of singlet lenses, including a plano-convex and bi-convex lenses, arranged at precise distances to provide a uniform light beam, improved intensity, and reduced weight, with a lightweight and comfortable configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a doublet lens is positioned at the distal opening of the housing to achieve a uniform light beam, then light uniformity is improved, but the lens diameter becomes relatively large resulting in increased weight and clinician discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single doublet lens into multiple separate singlet lenses (first singlet lens, second singlet lens, and third singlet lens) arranged in sequence. This segmentation allows each lens to be smaller in diameter while collectively achieving the light uniformity function that previously required a large doublet lens, thereby reducing overall weight.
2Illumination intensity
If a doublet lens is used to provide sufficient light intensity, then illumination is improved, but the device becomes heavy and awkward affecting ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light path into multiple stages with separate singlet lenses, each contributing to light concentration and uniformity. This allows the system to achieve high light intensity without relying on a single large, heavy doublet lens, thereby improving ease of wear during lengthy surgical procedures.
3Illumination intensity
If a singlet lens is positioned between the LED and doublet lens to achieve uniform light beam, then light uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three simple singlet lenses in sequence, each with a single optical function, rather than complex compound lenses. This segmentation approach achieves light uniformity through multiple simple optical elements rather than one complex element, actually reducing overall optical complexity while improving performance.
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 headlight achieves a uniform, bright, and well-defined light beam with improved sharpness and depth, enhancing surgical illumination while minimizing clinician discomfort and weight.
Implementation Method 1
An optical assembly is at least partly in the passage of the housing. The optical assembly includes a first singlet lens proximate the second end and defines an optical axis. A second singlet lens is disposed between the light source and the first singlet lens. A third singlet lens is disposed between the light source and the second singlet lens.
Data Source
AI summary
A headlight of the type worn by medical and dental professionals includes a housing having an opening therein. A housing defines opposing ends and a passage. A light source, such as a LED, is proximate the first end. An optical assembly is in the passage of the housing and includes a first singlet lens, a second singlet lens disposed between the light source and the first singlet lens, and a third singlet lens disposed between the light source and the second singlet lens. Each of the second singlet lens and the third singlet lens are centered on the optical axis and the second singlet lens and the third singlet lens are spaced apart by a separation distance.