Detachable Voice Control Handle for Surgical Lights

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operating room light voice control systems are complex and expensive, often hinder surgeons during operations due to bulky microphones and require costly replacement of entire lights for retrofitting with voice control capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A handle device with a detachable voice control module containing sound sensors and a computer unit that generates control signals, allowing voice-controlled operation of the light without direct contact, and enabling easy retrofitting by replacing the handle device rather than the entire light system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If voice control systems are integrated into operating lights, then voice-controlled operation is enabled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voice control functionality is segmented into a separate detachable handle device that can be independently attached to or removed from the operating light. This segmentation isolates the complex voice control system from the main light system, enabling voice control capability while managing device complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle device is designed as a universal interface that can be detached and attached to different operating light models. The same handle with voice control functionality can serve multiple light units, reducing overall system complexity and enabling cost-effective deployment across different surgical light systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If traditional microphones are used for voice control, then voice input is captured, but the surgeon is hindered during operation due to bulky headsets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice input capabilityVSAvoidsurgeon mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The microphone and voice control electronics are extracted from traditional headset configurations and integrated into the handle device that the surgeon already holds. This extraction eliminates the need for separate bulky headsets, capturing voice input without hindering surgeon mobility during the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The voice control functionality is merged with the handle device that the surgeon naturally holds and manipulates during surgery. By combining voice capture, control electronics, and mechanical handling into a single integrated unit, the system enables voice input while maintaining surgeon ease of operation without additional bulky components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If voice control modules are permanently integrated into operating lights, then voice control is enabled, but costly replacement of entire lights is required for retrofitting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice control functionalityVSAvoidretrofitting cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The voice control system is segmented into a separate detachable handle device rather than being permanently integrated into the operating light. This segmentation allows the voice control functionality to be independently purchased and attached to existing lights, enabling cost-effective retrofitting without replacing entire light systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle device is designed with dynamic attachability - it can be easily attached to and removed from operating lights. This dynamic connection enables flexible deployment where voice control functionality can be added to existing lights as needed, reducing retrofitting costs while maintaining the option to remove or upgrade the component independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If detachable handle devices are used, then easy retrofitting is enabled, but the connection stability between handle and light mounting body must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrofitting easeVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the handle device and light mounting body uses a standardized mechanical interface with precise geometric features. This mechanical substitution ensures reliable, repeatable attachment while maintaining ease of retrofitting through simple attachment and detachment operations without complex fastening mechanisms.

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

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 cost-effective voice control for operating room lights, ensuring reliable voice input recognition and reducing operational hindrance while allowing for easy and low-cost integration of voice control functionality into existing surgical lights.

Implementation Method 1

a voice control module having at least one sound sensor is detachably connected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP3334366B1Handle device for a surgical light with voice control, and surgical light
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 KARL LEIBINGER MEDIZINTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3334366B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3334366B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3334366B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a handle device (1) for a surgical light (10), which comprises a handle element (3), prepared for attachment to a receiving body (2) of the surgical light (10) and forming a handle surface (5) in an exterior region (4). A voice control module (6) that has at least one acoustic sensor (29) is detachably connected to the handle element (3). The invention further relates to a surgical light (10) having said handle device (1).