Surgical Lighthead Moveable Modules Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical lighting systems face challenges in maintaining consistent illumination and reducing shadows due to obstructions, as existing solutions like redistributing light intensity only partially address the issue and can lead to reduced lifespan and increased heat in unobstructed lighting elements.
Innovation Solution
A surgical lighting apparatus with a lighthead featuring stationary and moveable light emitting modules, sensors, and a control unit that detects obstructions and adjusts the position of moveable modules to maintain optimal illumination, ensuring laminar airflow and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light intensity is redistributed to unobstructed lighting elements, then illumination at the surgical site is maintained, but the lifespan of unobstructed lighting elements is reduced and heat emission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements moveable lighting modules that can dynamically change their position in response to detected obstructions. When an obstruction is detected, the system activates motors to reposition the affected lighting modules to unobstructed positions, allowing the lighting elements to move rather than remain stationary and overloaded.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system performs self-adjustment through sensors that automatically detect obstructions and trigger the moveable modules to reposition themselves without external intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously responding to environmental changes and maintaining optimal illumination distribution.
2Illumination intensity
If light intensity is redistributed to unobstructed lighting elements, then illumination at the surgical site is maintained, but heat emission from unobstructed lighting elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable lighting modules dynamically reposition in response to obstructions, distributing the lighting load across different spatial positions rather than concentrating heat-generating intensity on fixed unobstructed elements. This dynamic redistribution prevents localized overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the spatial dimension of movement to the lighting distribution problem. Instead of redistributing intensity within a fixed two-dimensional array of lighting elements, the modules move in three-dimensional space to new positions, effectively adding a positional dimension to the solution and dispersing heat generation across different locations.
3Device complexity
If stationary lighting elements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adapt to obstructions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces moveable lighting modules with motorized actuation mechanisms that enable the system to adapt its configuration in response to obstructions. The modules can change position along tracks or rails within the lighthead, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable lighting modules serve multiple functions: they provide illumination, detect obstructions through integrated sensors, and autonomously reposition themselves. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to various obstruction scenarios without requiring entirely different lighting configurations or additional specialized components.
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 system effectively maintains consistent illumination by relocating moveable light modules around obstructions, reducing shadows and extending the lifespan of lighting elements while managing heat effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting modules (112) respectively positioned on front sides (152, 162, 1732, 1734, 1736, and 1738) thereof. Each of the light emitting elements (112) is enabled to emit a predetermined amount of light
Implementation Method 2
sensors (180) enabled to collect data regarding an amount of the emitted light from each of the light emitting elements (112) that illuminates a corresponding area of the surgical site (1)
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical lighting apparatus for illuminating a surgical environment includes a lighthead and a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive data from sensors positioned in one or more light emitting modules and identify, from the received data, an obstruction inhibiting delivery of a predetermined amount of light from one or more of light emitting elements of moveable light emitting modules to corresponding areas of a surgical site. The lighthead is configured to illuminate the surgical site. The lighthead includes a plurality of the light emitting modules and the sensors. Each of the light emitting modules includes a plurality of the light emitting elements positioned on a front side thereof. Each of the light emitting elements is configured to emit the predetermined amount of light from the light emitting modules to illuminate one of the corresponding areas of the surgical site.