Wireless Video Headband with Segmented Transmitter for Surgical Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical headlamp assemblies with attached video cameras are heavy and tethered, limiting freedom of movement and causing distractions during surgeries, and existing wireless solutions are impractical due to power consumption and bulkiness, as well as failing to accommodate varying physician preferences for arm length and focus.
Innovation Solution
A wireless medical headlamp and camera system featuring a headband with a polymeric structure, battery port, power management, and a data processing and wireless transmitter assembly that includes a microcontroller for efficient power use and adjustable lens settings, allowing for personalized video transmission and reduced bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless video camera assembly is installed directly on the lamp, then the camera can image the illuminated area, but the weight of the lamp/camera combination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the video transmission function into two separate components: a compact video camera attached to the lamp, and a wireless transmitter integrated into the headband. This segmentation allows the camera to remain lightweight while the bulk of the wireless transmission hardware is distributed to the headband, reducing the weight burden on the lamp/camera assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the wireless transmission functionality from the lamp/camera dimension to the headband dimension. By integrating the transmitter into the headband structure and using a separate communication link, the system redistributes weight and functionality across different spatial dimensions, allowing the camera to remain compact while maintaining wireless capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a stiffer linkage is used to prevent drooping, then the lamp/camera remains stable, but the ease of adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be flexible during adjustment and then stabilize in positioned states. The linkage incorporates damping elements and friction mechanisms that enable smooth positioning while maintaining stability once adjusted, allowing the surgeon to easily reposition the lamp/camera as needed without requiring excessive force.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a greater mass is used, then the lamp/camera unit is more stable, but the inertia during head rotation increases causing unpleasant sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The headband assembly incorporates a counterbalancing mechanism that offsets the weight of the lamp/camera unit. By positioning counterweights strategically within the headband structure, the system reduces the net torque and inertial effects during head rotation, minimizing discomfort while maintaining the stability needed for steady illumination and video capture.
4Use of energy by moving object
If WI-FI data compression components are included in the video camera housing, then power consumption is reduced, but the housing becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the video processing and transmission functions into two parts: a compact camera that captures video data, and a separate wireless transmitter in the headband that handles compression and transmission. This segmentation allows the camera to remain lightweight while the power-consuming compression components are located in the headband, reducing overall power consumption at the camera site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication link between the camera and the headband transmitter. This intermediary system allows video data to be transmitted from the compact camera to the headband, where compression and full wireless transmission occur, enabling the camera to remain lightweight while still achieving power-efficient wireless video transmission overall.
Data Source
AI summary
A video headband assembly, having a headband structure, made at least in part of polymeric material, a battery port, a power management network having at least one output lead, and which supplies power from the battery port to the output lead and a multi-pin connector, accessible from outside the headband structure. Also, a video data signal transformation network is supported within the polymeric material of the headband structure and electrically connected to the multi-pin connector. Finally, a first video data signal input to the multi-pin connector is transformed by the video data signal transformation network, which produces a transformed video data signal in response to the first video data signal.