Surgical Light Ceiling Distance Sensor Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical lights face challenges in quickly and precisely adjusting their lighting settings when the position of the light unit changes relative to the surgical field, often due to interference from objects like surgeon heads or hands, leading to incorrect measurements and undesired readjustments.
Innovation Solution
A position detection device is integrated into the surgical light, featuring a first distance detection sensor mounted on the holding arm system to measure the distance to the ceiling, with optional second distance and angle detection sensors, allowing for interference-free reference measurements and precise positioning adjustments, connected to a control unit that adjusts light properties accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a distance sensor is installed on the operating light to measure the distance to the surgical field, then the lighting setting can be automatically adjusted, but measurements become inaccurate due to obstructions such as surgeon heads or hands entering the measurement range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ceiling as an intermediary reference surface for distance measurement. Instead of measuring directly to the surgical field (which is obstructed), the sensor measures the distance to the ceiling and calculates the position relative to the surgical field indirectly. This mediator approach allows automation while avoiding obstruction problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement dimension from horizontal (direct distance to surgical field) to vertical (distance to ceiling). By measuring in the vertical dimension above the operating light, the system avoids obstructions that occur in the horizontal measurement path to the surgical field.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position of the light unit changes during operation, then the illumination coverage changes, but the lighting setting must be manually readjusted which consumes time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the distance sensor continuously monitors the position of the light unit relative to the ceiling, and the control unit automatically adjusts lighting parameters based on this feedback. This eliminates manual readjustment time while maintaining optimal illumination coverage as the light unit moves.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating light system performs self-adjustment of lighting settings based on its own position changes. The sensor and control unit work together to automatically optimize illumination parameters without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient in adapting to position changes.
3Measurement precision
If the first distance detection sensor is positioned to face the ceiling for interference-free measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but the sensor placement becomes more complex on the support arm system
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling serves multiple functions: it acts as a stable reference surface for distance measurement, provides a large unobstructed detection area, and serves as a fixed environmental feature that is always available above the operating area. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system design despite the specific sensor orientation requirement.
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
This solution enables precise and interference-free adjustment of lighting settings relative to the surgical field, minimizing disruptions during operations by using sensors to determine the distance and angle of the lighting unit to the ceiling, ensuring optimal illumination without manual readjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a first distance sensing sensor (11), wherein, when viewed in the installed position of the operating light (1), the first distance sensing sensor (11) is arranged on a section of the support arm system (6) or the lighting unit (2) that is directed upwards in the room
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a surgical light (1), comprising: a light unit (2), which has a plurality of light sources individually accommodated in a housing (3), wherein each light source is arranged and oriented in such a way that the light source produces light beam in an energized state; an anchoring element (4), which is prepared for fastening to a ceiling (5), a wall, or a floor of a room; and a retaining arm system (6), which connects the light unit (2) slidably and/or pivotably to the anchoring element (4), wherein a position detection device (7) is arranged and designed in such a way that, in the operating state, the position detection device determines a distance of a reference section (8) of the light unit (2) or of the retaining arm system (6) from the ceiling (5).