Portable Breast Light Assembly with Skin-Contact Intensity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable light assemblies for breast examination lack efficiency and economy in design, failing to provide effective light transmission and visualization of breast tissue structures, particularly in ambient light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable breast light assembly with a housing containing a control panel, timer controller, intensity controller, and red light sources between 620-780 nm, along with a cap assembly that adjusts light intensity based on skin contact, optimized for efficient light transmission through breast tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If existing portable light assemblies are used for breast examination, then portability is achieved, but light transmission efficiency and visualization effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting a specific wavelength range (620-780 nm red light) that optimizes penetration through breast tissue while maintaining adequate illumination intensity. This wavelength parameter was chosen because it balances tissue penetration depth with light absorption characteristics, resolving the contradiction between portability constraints and effective visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the cap assembly mechanism that adjusts light intensity based on skin contact detection. When the cap contacts the skin, the system dynamically increases light intensity to ensure effective transillumination, while maintaining portability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting illumination intensity to actual usage conditions rather than using fixed intensity levels.
2Illumination intensity
If light intensity is increased for better visualization, then breast tissue structure becomes more visible, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the timer controller that automatically shuts off the light source after a predetermined period. This intermittent operation rather than continuous illumination reduces energy consumption while still providing adequate visualization during the active period, resolving the contradiction between high illumination intensity and low energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the sensor that detects skin contact and triggers light intensity adjustment. The system only increases energy consumption when actually needed (when skin contact is detected), rather than operating at high intensity continuously. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by making energy consumption proportional to actual usage requirements.
3Ease of operation
If ambient light conditions are present, then ease of operation is improved, but light transmission through breast tissue becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light intensity adjustable based on ambient light conditions and skin contact detection. The system can operate in ambient light for ease of operation, but when transillumination is required, it dynamically increases intensity to compensate for ambient light interference, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and effective light transmission.
4Ease of operation
If portable design is implemented, then ease of carrying and storage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple functions into a single portable unit: the housing contains the light source, battery, control circuitry, timer, and sensor all in one compact assembly. The cap assembly is removably coupled to the housing, combining the illumination function with the application interface. This integration resolves the contradiction by consolidating components to improve portability while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate 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 portable breast light assembly enhances visualization of veins and blood vessels by adjusting light intensity based on skin contact, providing effective light transmission and ease of use, while being durable and efficient for carrying and storage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source to emit visible light at a predetermined wavelength
Implementation Method 2
The cover is transparent to allow the visible light to pass therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A portable breast light assembly, having a housing with a sidewall. An electrical assembly has a control panel having a power switch, a timer controller, an intensity controller, a screen, and at least one light source to emit visible light at a predetermined wavelength. The present invention further has a cap assembly. The timer controller controls at least one range of operating time. The intensity controller controls at least one level of light intensity. The electrical assembly has a sensor. The sensor is connected to circuitry that is connected to the at least one light source. The cap assembly has a cover. The cover contacts the sensor. The light emitted by the at least one light source illuminates a breast when the cover is biased against the breast with a predetermined force.