US20200337130A1 - Color Tunable Medical Headlamp Bezel - Google Patents
Color Tunable Medical Headlamp Bezel Download PDFInfo
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- US20200337130A1 US20200337130A1 US16/920,499 US202016920499A US2020337130A1 US 20200337130 A1 US20200337130 A1 US 20200337130A1 US 202016920499 A US202016920499 A US 202016920499A US 2020337130 A1 US2020337130 A1 US 2020337130A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- bezel
- light
- led
- light source
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
- H05B45/20—Controlling the colour of the light
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- F21V29/15—Thermal insulation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/30—Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
- F21L14/00—Electric lighting devices without a self-contained power source, e.g. for mains connection
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
- F21L4/00—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells
- F21L4/02—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells characterised by the provision of two or more light sources
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- F21V29/50—Cooling arrangements
- F21V29/70—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/30—Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure
- A61B2090/309—Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure using white LEDs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/50—Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms
- A61B2090/502—Headgear, e.g. helmet, spectacles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/30—Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure
- A61B90/35—Supports therefor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/008—Combination of two or more successive refractors along an optical axis
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2131/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems not provided for in codes F21W2102/00-F21W2121/00
- F21W2131/20—Lighting for medical use
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2113/00—Combination of light sources
- F21Y2113/10—Combination of light sources of different colours
- F21Y2113/13—Combination of light sources of different colours comprising an assembly of point-like light sources
- F21Y2113/17—Combination of light sources of different colours comprising an assembly of point-like light sources forming a single encapsulated light source
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
Definitions
- Medical lighting of different colors can provide various benefits. Distinguishing various tissue types, assisting a color-blind surgeon or simple personal preference may cause a color blend that is optimal for a first surgeon, in a first situation, is not optimal for a second surgeon in a second situation.
- a typical bezel is only about the size of an acorn, with limited surface to radiate heat. If the surface area becomes too hot, it creates a burn hazard. While LEDs do not heat up as much as other conventional light sources, the use of an LED assembly would still cause the temperature of surrounding areas within the bezel to increase, especially during medical operations that span hours.
- the present invention relates to a medical headlamp assembly, comprising a headband assembly adapted to fit around a user's head, and a bezel that is connected to and supported by a linkage to the headband assembly.
- the bezel includes a light source assembly that is capable of producing light of differing colors and intensities, and an optical train that focuses the light generated by the light source assembly.
- a user input assembly is also included to permit user control over the color and intensity from the bezel.
- the present invention relates to a medical headlamp assembly, comprising a headband assembly adapted to fit around a user's head, and a bezel connected to and supported by a linkage to the headband assembly.
- the bezel includes a housing that comprises a stationary portion and a moveable portion, where the moveable portion acts to adjust some element of the bezel and has an exterior surface.
- the bezel further includes a light source assembly to generate a light beam, and an optical train for focusing the light beam from the bezel, both of which are held within the housing.
- the rear surface of the bezel which is part of the stationary portion, has a higher coefficient of thermal conductance than the exterior surface of the moveable portion; the rear surface of the bezel heats up more readily compared to the exterior surface of the moveable portion and provides an avenue for heat dissipation.
- a heat shield is attached to the bezel and covers the rear surface of the bezel to protect a user from possible burns.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric detail view of the bezel and headband connection area, of the headlamp assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the bezel of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the heat shield.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the bezel of FIG. 1 , with the heat shield attached, and shown in a sectional view
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronics of the medical headlamp assembly of FIG. 1 .
- a headband assembly 12 supports bezel 16 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the medical headlamp assembly 10 includes a headband 18 , a bezel 16 , and a heat shield 20 positioned at the back of, and attached to, the bezel 16 , as is described further below in reference to FIG. 4 .
- Bezel 16 is attached to headband 18 via linkage 22 .
- a bezel 16 is connected to the headband assembly 18 through linkage 22 .
- the bezel 16 includes a housing 24 , which comprises a stationary portion 26 , and a moveable portion in the form of an outer ring 28 .
- the stationary portion 26 houses a piece of circuit 30 with conductive traces (not shown) that are adapted to power a light source assembly 32 , which is described below.
- the stationary portion 26 defines a channel 34 , which allows for the insertion of a first end of cable 36 to supply electricity to the conductive traces.
- the second end of cable 36 is a USB connector 80 , which can be inserted into USP port 82 and establish electrical connection between light source assembly 32 and circuit board 84 .
- Circuit board 84 is included to permit color and intensity control over light source assembly 32 , which will be described in greater detail below.
- light source assembly 32 is positioned at the back of and extends into the interior cavity of stationary portion 26 .
- An optical train 38 is positioned in front of light source assembly 32 .
- the optical train 38 includes a series of fly-eye lens arrays 40 , and an exit lens 42 that is held by an exit lens holder 44 , which in turn is surrounded and held by outer ring 28 .
- the light generated by light source assembly 32 passes through optical train 38 to produce a light beam with a substantially homogenous intensity.
- the size of the light beam is adjustable as required for various applications.
- the optical train 38 can further include an iris 46 adjustable by actuator 48 , positioned between the fly-eye lens arrays 40 and the exit lens 42 , which focuses the light beam generated by light source assembly 32 .
- the beam radius can be further tuned by changing the position of the exit lens 42 within housing 24 .
- adjustment of the iris 46 by actuator 48 and the positioning of exit lens 42 within housing 24 are both coupled to the rotational motion of outer ring 28 , such that the beam size is adjusted when the user rotates outer ring 28 .
- iris 46 is not present, and the beamwidth is adjusted solely by focusing (moving) the exit lens 42 .
- batteries 60 (typically attached to headband assembly 12 ) power a microcontroller 62 (located on circuit board 84 (shown in FIG. 1 )), which receives input from a user input device 64 , commanding color and brightness.
- microcontroller 62 controls LED drivers 66 , 68 and 70 (also located on circuit board 84 ), which power LEDs 72 , 74 and 76 , respectively, in light source assembly 32 ( FIG. 2 ).
- LED drivers 66 , 68 and 70 are, in one embodiment, DC-to-DC converters, but could also be pulse width modulated drivers or some other type of device that has a controllable, variable power output.
- a fourth LED is added, producing amber, or white, light.
- the three LEDs, 72 , 74 and 76 chosen so that varying the light output of the LEDs 72 , 74 and 76 , can produced any color of visible light. Also, a broad range of spectra may be produced, by varying the power to the three LEDS 72 , 74 and 76 .
- the three LEDs colors are red, green and blue, but in another preferred embodiment, the three LED colors are cyan, purple and yellow.
- two LEDs are chosen to be at the extremes of the visible light spectrum, red and violet, with the third in the middle (green or cyan). The LEDs are controlled to produce a broad choice of beam spectra, to achieve not only a certain beam color, but also different reflective characteristics.
- two beams may appear to be exactly the same to a human observer, because each one stimulates the retinal cones equally, the reflections from tissue of the two beams may be different, if a spectrum has less light of a frequency that reflects from a particular type of tissue. By careful selection of a spectrum, it is possible to provide a greater degree of color contrast between different types of tissue.
- the beam spectrum can be selected such that when used to illuminate a biological structure, the light beam causes one tissue type to contrast with a second tissue type (i.e. enhancing the color difference between healthy tissue and focal tissues upon illumination, optimally illuminating various tissue types such as skin, muscle, fat, blood vessels, and organs).
- a second tissue type i.e. enhancing the color difference between healthy tissue and focal tissues upon illumination, optimally illuminating various tissue types such as skin, muscle, fat, blood vessels, and organs.
- the red and the violet LEDS may be illuminated at maximum power, and the green LED not used, to accentuate color contrast between different types of tissue, having different reflective characteristics, with one tissue type being more reflective of low frequency light (red tissue) and other tissue being more reflective of high frequency light (bone, which appears to have more reflectance across the spectrum).
- the colors of the LEDs can be selected such that light source assembly 32 emits light with a lower intensity within the range of 500 nm-590 nm, as opposed to light within the range of 420 nm-470 nm or in the range 590-700 nm; a beam having this spectral profile would be suitable for users with deuteranopia (red-green color blindness), as they have a reduced ability to see light in the 470 to 590 nm range.
- a spectrum is chosen to highlight a dye injected to show a particular feature or diseased portion of an organ.
- an ultraviolet or infrared LED is included in assembly 32 , to cause fluorescence of a dye, or some other effect.
- agents can be used to identify diseased tissue and may also be used to identify locations of hemorrhage during surgery.
- different spectra are interleaved over time, so that a surgeon can periodically obtain a view highlighting a dye or other sort of agent, and then resume a view illuminated, for example, by white light.
- white light illumination is interrupted every minute, for five seconds, by a beam spectrum designed to highlight a particular type of tissue or particular dye that has been previously injected.
- white light illumination is interrupted every three minutes, for five seconds with special-purpose spectrum.
- both the color and the brightness of the light beam are adjustable through a user input assembly 64 .
- the user input assembly 64 forms part of headband 18 and is electrically coupled to the microcontroller 62 , which is physically located on circuit board 84 .
- the user input assembly 64 includes control knobs (not shown) that are coupled to the microcontroller 62 .
- a brightness control knob can be used to simultaneously adjust the brightness of the LEDs 72 , 74 and 76 , thereby controlling the overall intensity of the light beam from the bezel 16
- a color control knob is used to vary the color of the light beam, by changing the proportion of light produced by each LED 72 , 74 and 76 .
- a separate power control knob is provided for each LED 72 , 74 and 76 .
- the user input assembly 64 additionally includes user-preset color spectra, that are configured to provide contrast between certain tissue types, or to highlight a particular tissue type, such as bone.
- a set of buttons are provided on the headstrap, each one activating a different preset color spectrum.
- the preset color spectra can be customized. For example, each preset spectrum button can be configured so that if it is held down for an extended period (for example, 2 seconds), the preset spectra that is selected by that button can then be set by whatever system is made available for adjusting the light beam spectrum, for example a set of knobs.
- buttons are provided that are not pre-loaded with a preset spectrum, to permit the user to add preset spectra of his choosing, without erasing a factory-set spectrum.
- the user input assembly 64 is installed onto an electronic platform, such as a computer (tablet, laptop or desktop) or a smartphone, and is in wireless communication with the microcontroller 62 on circuit board 84 , using a wireless protocol such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- a graphical user interface (not shown) permits adjustment of color and brightness of the light beam. This interface can, for example, display a color triangle containing all possible beam colors as determined by the power delivered to each LED 72 , 74 and 76 wherein the beam color is selected by the user simply by clicking on, or in the case of a touch-screen, touching, the desired option shown within the color triangle.
- the graphical user interface can offer the option of manually inserting intensity values (ranging from 0-100%, for example) for the individual LEDs, which can allow for fine control over the resulting color of the light beam.
- the brightness is adjusted by using a brightness slider, which simultaneously increases or decreases the intensities of all LEDs.
- the graphical user interface can additionally include the option to select and save user-customizable, preset color spectra as described earlier. To anticipate the situation involving multiple users, the preset color spectra is configured to correspond to individual bezels, and/or to specific LED color combinations, which would change the beam color options.
- the user input assembly 64 includes a voice command device, which permits voice control over the light source assembly 32 through the electronic platform.
- bezel 16 is attached to headband 18 through linkage 22 .
- bezel 16 and linkage 22 can be detached from headband 18 and thereby forming a removable sub-assembly 14 of medical headlamp assembly 10 , providing the ease of bezel replacement.
- the stationary portion 26 of the housing is constructed from a light-weight metal.
- suitable light-weight metals include aluminum, and alloys of aluminum.
- light source assembly 32 heat is generated by light source assembly 32 , which is conducted throughout the body and external surface of the bezel 16 .
- the metallic portions of the bezel 16 pose a burn hazard, especially during extended periods of usage.
- portions of the bezel 16 can be coated with a material that has a lower coefficient of thermal conduction than the surface of the bezel 16 .
- a coating is applied to outer ring 28 .
- the coating material is selected from a number of heat-insulating materials, such as, but not limited to ceramics, polymers, silicones, and mixtures thereof.
- the coating is a ceramic.
- the ceramic coating is a coating constructed of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, or mullite.
- the coating is a ceramic coating available from Cerakote®. It is to be appreciated that the coating can be applied to additional areas that will be touched by the user, and thus can be applied to any portion of the exterior surface of the bezel 16 as deemed necessary.
- the thickness of the coating is less than 0.1 mm.
- the outer ring 28 is constructed of a material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductance than the material used to construct stationary portion 26 .
- the light source assembly 32 is situated against the rear of the interior of stationary portion 26 . Due to the proximity to the light source assembly 32 , which generates heat during operation of the device, the rear end of bezel 16 would necessarily heat up at a higher rate compared to portions of bezel 16 that are further removed from light source assembly 32 .
- the surface of this rear end presents an avenue for heat dissipation, especially in embodiments where portions of the external surface of bezel 16 is coated with a heat-insulating material, as described above, which hinders heat dissipation through these portions.
- a heat shield 20 is attached to bezel 16 , as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 , and 4 .
- heat shield 20 comprises a panel 50 that defines apertures 52 to allow heat to flow from the rear surface of bezel 16 through heat shield 20 .
- Heat shield 20 further comprises a side portion 54 , which extends from the outer edge of panel 50 in the direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by panel 50 towards bezel 16 and covers the rear portion of bezel 16 .
- side portion 54 extends upward beyond panel 50 and define holes 56 , with which heat shield 20 is attached to bezel 16 by coupling to protrusions 58 on bezel 16 , having shapes that are complimentary to holes 56 .
- heat shield 20 can be detached from bezel 16 by disengaging holes 56 from protrusions 58 .
- holes 56 and protrusions 58 are circular in shape, such that heat shield 20 , when attached to bezel 16 , is moveable and can be repositioned to expose the rear surface of bezel 16 .
- the heat shield 20 is ideally constructed of a material that is a thermal insulator, such as plastic.
- the surface of the heat shield 20 is coated with a material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductance than the material used to construct heat shield 20 .
- suitable coating materials include ceramics, polymers, silicones, and mixtures thereof.
- the coating material is selected from a number of heat-insulating materials, such as, but not limited to ceramics, polymers, silicones, and mixtures thereof. In preferred embodiments, the coating is a ceramic.
- the ceramic coating is a coating constructed of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, or mullite. In other embodiments, the coating is a ceramic coating available from Cerakote®. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the coating is less than 0.1 mm. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the appropriate thickness of the coating will depend on the properties of the coating material.
Abstract
A color-adjustable medical headlamp assembly, including a headband assembly and a bezel, which can be worn around a user's head. The bezel contains a light source assembly that is capable of generating light with different colors and intensities, and an optical train that focuses the light generated by the light source assembly. A user input assembly is included to allow for the selection and adjustment of both the color and brightness of the light from the bezel. Also, the rear surface of the bezel has a higher coefficient of thermal conductance compared to the movable portion of the bezel and is an avenue for heat dissipation. Finally, a heat shield is attached to the bezel to cover its rear surface, which can pose a burn hazard after prolonged usage.
Description
- This application is a continuation of application U.S. Ser. No. 15/892,768, filed Feb. 9, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,708,990, issuing Jul. 7, 2020, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
- Medical lighting of different colors can provide various benefits. Distinguishing various tissue types, assisting a color-blind surgeon or simple personal preference may cause a color blend that is optimal for a first surgeon, in a first situation, is not optimal for a second surgeon in a second situation.
- Another problem in the design of medical headlamp assemblies is that of exhausting heat from the bezel (also referred to as “headlamp”). A typical bezel is only about the size of an acorn, with limited surface to radiate heat. If the surface area becomes too hot, it creates a burn hazard. While LEDs do not heat up as much as other conventional light sources, the use of an LED assembly would still cause the temperature of surrounding areas within the bezel to increase, especially during medical operations that span hours.
- The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.
- In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a medical headlamp assembly, comprising a headband assembly adapted to fit around a user's head, and a bezel that is connected to and supported by a linkage to the headband assembly. The bezel includes a light source assembly that is capable of producing light of differing colors and intensities, and an optical train that focuses the light generated by the light source assembly. A user input assembly is also included to permit user control over the color and intensity from the bezel.
- In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a medical headlamp assembly, comprising a headband assembly adapted to fit around a user's head, and a bezel connected to and supported by a linkage to the headband assembly. The bezel includes a housing that comprises a stationary portion and a moveable portion, where the moveable portion acts to adjust some element of the bezel and has an exterior surface. The bezel further includes a light source assembly to generate a light beam, and an optical train for focusing the light beam from the bezel, both of which are held within the housing. The rear surface of the bezel, which is part of the stationary portion, has a higher coefficient of thermal conductance than the exterior surface of the moveable portion; the rear surface of the bezel heats up more readily compared to the exterior surface of the moveable portion and provides an avenue for heat dissipation. Lastly, a heat shield is attached to the bezel and covers the rear surface of the bezel to protect a user from possible burns.
- In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.
- Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric detail view of the bezel and headband connection area, of the headlamp assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the bezel ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the heat shield. -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the bezel ofFIG. 1 , with the heat shield attached, and shown in a sectional view -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronics of the medical headlamp assembly ofFIG. 1 . - In a preferred embodiment of a
medical headlamp assembly 10, according to the present invention, aheadband assembly 12 supports bezel 16 (FIG. 1 ). Themedical headlamp assembly 10 includes aheadband 18, abezel 16, and aheat shield 20 positioned at the back of, and attached to, thebezel 16, as is described further below in reference toFIG. 4 .Bezel 16 is attached toheadband 18 vialinkage 22. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , abezel 16 is connected to theheadband assembly 18 throughlinkage 22. Thebezel 16 includes ahousing 24, which comprises astationary portion 26, and a moveable portion in the form of anouter ring 28. Thestationary portion 26 houses a piece ofcircuit 30 with conductive traces (not shown) that are adapted to power alight source assembly 32, which is described below. Thestationary portion 26 defines achannel 34, which allows for the insertion of a first end ofcable 36 to supply electricity to the conductive traces. In a preferred embodiment, the second end ofcable 36 is aUSB connector 80, which can be inserted intoUSP port 82 and establish electrical connection betweenlight source assembly 32 andcircuit board 84.Circuit board 84 is included to permit color and intensity control overlight source assembly 32, which will be described in greater detail below. - Again, referring to
FIG. 2 ,light source assembly 32 is positioned at the back of and extends into the interior cavity ofstationary portion 26. Anoptical train 38 is positioned in front oflight source assembly 32. Theoptical train 38 includes a series of fly-eye lens arrays 40, and anexit lens 42 that is held by an exit lens holder 44, which in turn is surrounded and held byouter ring 28. During operation, the light generated bylight source assembly 32 passes throughoptical train 38 to produce a light beam with a substantially homogenous intensity. - In preferred embodiments, the size of the light beam is adjustable as required for various applications. As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , theoptical train 38 can further include aniris 46 adjustable byactuator 48, positioned between the fly-eye lens arrays 40 and theexit lens 42, which focuses the light beam generated bylight source assembly 32. The beam radius can be further tuned by changing the position of theexit lens 42 withinhousing 24. In preferred embodiments, adjustment of theiris 46 byactuator 48 and the positioning ofexit lens 42 withinhousing 24 are both coupled to the rotational motion ofouter ring 28, such that the beam size is adjusted when the user rotatesouter ring 28. In an alternative preferred embodiment,iris 46 is not present, and the beamwidth is adjusted solely by focusing (moving) theexit lens 42. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , batteries 60 (typically attached to headband assembly 12) power a microcontroller 62 (located on circuit board 84 (shown inFIG. 1 )), which receives input from a user input device 64, commanding color and brightness. Inresponse microcontroller 62 controlsLED drivers LEDs FIG. 2 ).LED drivers - The three LEDs, 72, 74 and 76, chosen so that varying the light output of the
LEDs LEDS - For example, the beam spectrum can be selected such that when used to illuminate a biological structure, the light beam causes one tissue type to contrast with a second tissue type (i.e. enhancing the color difference between healthy tissue and focal tissues upon illumination, optimally illuminating various tissue types such as skin, muscle, fat, blood vessels, and organs). In the case in which the LED assembly comprises a red LED, a green LED, and a violet LED, the red and the violet LEDS may be illuminated at maximum power, and the green LED not used, to accentuate color contrast between different types of tissue, having different reflective characteristics, with one tissue type being more reflective of low frequency light (red tissue) and other tissue being more reflective of high frequency light (bone, which appears to have more reflectance across the spectrum). As another example, the colors of the LEDs can be selected such that
light source assembly 32 emits light with a lower intensity within the range of 500 nm-590 nm, as opposed to light within the range of 420 nm-470 nm or in the range 590-700 nm; a beam having this spectral profile would be suitable for users with deuteranopia (red-green color blindness), as they have a reduced ability to see light in the 470 to 590 nm range. In one embodiment a spectrum is chosen to highlight a dye injected to show a particular feature or diseased portion of an organ. In embodiments, an ultraviolet or infrared LED is included inassembly 32, to cause fluorescence of a dye, or some other effect. The use of agents can be used to identify diseased tissue and may also be used to identify locations of hemorrhage during surgery. In embodiments, different spectra are interleaved over time, so that a surgeon can periodically obtain a view highlighting a dye or other sort of agent, and then resume a view illuminated, for example, by white light. In one embodiment, white light illumination is interrupted every minute, for five seconds, by a beam spectrum designed to highlight a particular type of tissue or particular dye that has been previously injected. In another embodiment, white light illumination is interrupted every three minutes, for five seconds with special-purpose spectrum. - In preferred embodiments of the present invention, both the color and the brightness of the light beam are adjustable through a user input assembly 64. In some embodiments, the user input assembly 64 forms part of
headband 18 and is electrically coupled to themicrocontroller 62, which is physically located oncircuit board 84. In one such embodiment, the user input assembly 64 includes control knobs (not shown) that are coupled to themicrocontroller 62. For instance, a brightness control knob can be used to simultaneously adjust the brightness of theLEDs bezel 16, while a color control knob is used to vary the color of the light beam, by changing the proportion of light produced by eachLED LED - In one embodiment, the user input assembly 64 additionally includes user-preset color spectra, that are configured to provide contrast between certain tissue types, or to highlight a particular tissue type, such as bone. In embodiments, a set of buttons (not shown) are provided on the headstrap, each one activating a different preset color spectrum. In certain embodiments, the preset color spectra can be customized. For example, each preset spectrum button can be configured so that if it is held down for an extended period (for example, 2 seconds), the preset spectra that is selected by that button can then be set by whatever system is made available for adjusting the light beam spectrum, for example a set of knobs. After adjusting the knob(s) until a desired spectrum is achieved, another extended-period press of that button would enter that spectrum into memory (of microcontroller 62), so that it can be reselected at the push of that button. In one embodiment, some buttons are provided that are not pre-loaded with a preset spectrum, to permit the user to add preset spectra of his choosing, without erasing a factory-set spectrum.
- In alternative embodiments, the user input assembly 64 is installed onto an electronic platform, such as a computer (tablet, laptop or desktop) or a smartphone, and is in wireless communication with the
microcontroller 62 oncircuit board 84, using a wireless protocol such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. A graphical user interface (not shown) permits adjustment of color and brightness of the light beam. This interface can, for example, display a color triangle containing all possible beam colors as determined by the power delivered to eachLED light source assembly 32 through the electronic platform. - While an LED assembly offers flexibility in beam color selection, it may be necessary to swap out the
bezel 16 should the medical headband assembly of the present invention be used by multiple users, who may require different beam colors and preset color spectra as dictated by specific tasks, the users' preferences, or their needs. A change inbezel 16 would also be needed if it is damaged, especially during a medical operation. Referring back toFIG. 1 ,bezel 16 is attached to headband 18 throughlinkage 22. In preferred embodiments,bezel 16 andlinkage 22 can be detached fromheadband 18 and thereby forming aremovable sub-assembly 14 ofmedical headlamp assembly 10, providing the ease of bezel replacement. - In preferred embodiments, the
stationary portion 26 of the housing is constructed from a light-weight metal. Examples of suitable light-weight metals include aluminum, and alloys of aluminum. During operation ofmedical headlamp assembly 10, heat is generated bylight source assembly 32, which is conducted throughout the body and external surface of thebezel 16. As a result, the metallic portions of thebezel 16 pose a burn hazard, especially during extended periods of usage. In order to reduce the risk of burns from touching the surface of thebezel 16 during operation, portions of thebezel 16 can be coated with a material that has a lower coefficient of thermal conduction than the surface of thebezel 16. In a preferred embodiment, a coating is applied toouter ring 28. The coating material is selected from a number of heat-insulating materials, such as, but not limited to ceramics, polymers, silicones, and mixtures thereof. In preferred embodiments, the coating is a ceramic. In certain embodiments, the ceramic coating is a coating constructed of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, or mullite. In other embodiments, the coating is a ceramic coating available from Cerakote®. It is to be appreciated that the coating can be applied to additional areas that will be touched by the user, and thus can be applied to any portion of the exterior surface of thebezel 16 as deemed necessary. In preferred embodiments, the thickness of the coating is less than 0.1 mm. In an alternate embodiment, theouter ring 28 is constructed of a material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductance than the material used to constructstationary portion 26. - As overheating of the interior of
bezel 16 andlight source assembly 32 is undesirable due to negative effects on device performance and lifetime (i.e. reduction in light output, loss in efficiency, degradation of the LED junction element), effective heat dissipation is necessary. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, thelight source assembly 32 is situated against the rear of the interior ofstationary portion 26. Due to the proximity to thelight source assembly 32, which generates heat during operation of the device, the rear end ofbezel 16 would necessarily heat up at a higher rate compared to portions ofbezel 16 that are further removed fromlight source assembly 32. Hence, the surface of this rear end presents an avenue for heat dissipation, especially in embodiments where portions of the external surface ofbezel 16 is coated with a heat-insulating material, as described above, which hinders heat dissipation through these portions. In order to simultaneously allow for heat dissipation through the rear surface ofbezel 16 and also protect the user from possible burns from touching said surface, aheat shield 20 is attached tobezel 16, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2 , and 4. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 ,heat shield 20 comprises apanel 50 that definesapertures 52 to allow heat to flow from the rear surface ofbezel 16 throughheat shield 20.Heat shield 20 further comprises aside portion 54, which extends from the outer edge ofpanel 50 in the direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined bypanel 50 towardsbezel 16 and covers the rear portion ofbezel 16. In preferred embodiments,side portion 54 extends upward beyondpanel 50 and defineholes 56, with whichheat shield 20 is attached to bezel 16 by coupling toprotrusions 58 onbezel 16, having shapes that are complimentary toholes 56. In preferred embodiments,heat shield 20 can be detached frombezel 16 by disengagingholes 56 fromprotrusions 58. In a preferred embodiment, holes 56 andprotrusions 58 are circular in shape, such thatheat shield 20, when attached tobezel 16, is moveable and can be repositioned to expose the rear surface ofbezel 16. - As heat radiates from the rear surface of
bezel 16 and passes throughapertures 52,heat shield 20 can also heat up and present a burn hazard, depending on the material used for its construction. Therefore, theheat shield 20 is ideally constructed of a material that is a thermal insulator, such as plastic. Alternatively, the surface of theheat shield 20 is coated with a material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductance than the material used to constructheat shield 20. Non-limiting examples of suitable coating materials include ceramics, polymers, silicones, and mixtures thereof. The coating material is selected from a number of heat-insulating materials, such as, but not limited to ceramics, polymers, silicones, and mixtures thereof. In preferred embodiments, the coating is a ceramic. In certain embodiments, the ceramic coating is a coating constructed of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, or mullite. In other embodiments, the coating is a ceramic coating available from Cerakote®. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the coating is less than 0.1 mm. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the appropriate thickness of the coating will depend on the properties of the coating material. - While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those possessed of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.
Claims (9)
1. A medical headlamp assembly, comprising:
(a) a headband assembly;
(b) a bezel connected to and supported by a linkage to said headband assembly, including:
(i) a light source assembly capable of producing light of differing colors and differing intensities;
(ii) an optical train for focusing said light from said light source assembly;
(c) a user input assembly, permitting a user to adjust the color and intensity of light from said bezel.
2. The medical headlamp assembly of claim 1 , wherein said light source assembly is an LED assembly.
3. The medical headlamp assembly of claim 1 , wherein said light source assembly is an LED assembly that includes at least three LEDs, each of a different color.
4. The medical headlamp assembly of claim 1 , wherein said light source assembly is an LED assembly that includes a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED.
5. The medical headlamp assembly of claim 1 , wherein said user input assembly permits the choice of preset color spectra, adapted for specific tasks.
6. The medical headlamp assembly of claim 5 , wherein one preset color spectrum emits less light between 500 nm to 550 nm, in comparison with light between 420 nm and 470 nm.
7. The medical headlamp assembly of claim 5 , wherein at least one preset color spectrum causes a first tissue type to contrast with a second tissue type.
8. The medical headlamp assembly of claim 1 , including an ultraviolet LED.
9. The medical headlamp assembly of claim 1 , including an infrared LED.
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US16/920,499 US20200337130A1 (en) | 2018-02-09 | 2020-07-03 | Color Tunable Medical Headlamp Bezel |
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US15/892,768 US10708990B1 (en) | 2018-02-09 | 2018-02-09 | Color tunable medical headlamp bezel |
US16/920,499 US20200337130A1 (en) | 2018-02-09 | 2020-07-03 | Color Tunable Medical Headlamp Bezel |
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US15/892,768 Continuation US10708990B1 (en) | 2018-02-09 | 2018-02-09 | Color tunable medical headlamp bezel |
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US20200337130A1 true US20200337130A1 (en) | 2020-10-22 |
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US16/920,499 Abandoned US20200337130A1 (en) | 2018-02-09 | 2020-07-03 | Color Tunable Medical Headlamp Bezel |
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US11608961B1 (en) * | 2017-09-20 | 2023-03-21 | Designs For Vision, Inc. | LED lighting element and method of manufacturing same |
US11160632B1 (en) * | 2020-01-14 | 2021-11-02 | Riverpoint Medical, Llc | Highly efficient medical headlamp |
US11560998B1 (en) * | 2020-01-14 | 2023-01-24 | Riverpoint Medical, Llc | Highly efficient medical headlamp |
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FI115600B (en) | 2003-06-27 | 2005-05-31 | Planmeca Oy | LED surgical lighting apparatus |
US7192151B2 (en) | 2004-12-21 | 2007-03-20 | Depuy Products, Inc. | Light array for a surgical helmet |
US8016470B2 (en) | 2007-10-05 | 2011-09-13 | Dental Equipment, Llc | LED-based dental exam lamp with variable chromaticity |
WO2009146158A1 (en) * | 2008-04-18 | 2009-12-03 | Shell Oil Company | Using mines and tunnels for treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations |
TWI467115B (en) * | 2010-08-06 | 2015-01-01 | Ind Tech Res Inst | Light source apparatus with high heat dissipation efficiency |
US20120320568A1 (en) | 2011-06-17 | 2012-12-20 | General Scientific Corporation | Medical/dental headlight system with improved color rendition |
CN202613085U (en) * | 2011-08-12 | 2012-12-19 | 惠州元晖光电股份有限公司 | LED lighting device |
US9500340B2 (en) | 2011-10-25 | 2016-11-22 | A-Dec, Inc. | Dental light using LEDs |
US9687314B2 (en) * | 2013-05-13 | 2017-06-27 | Riverpoint Medical, Llc | Medical headlamp optical arrangement |
US9271636B2 (en) * | 2013-09-09 | 2016-03-01 | Enova Illumination, LLC | Surgical illuminator |
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