Hands-Free Cold Laser Holder for Neuropathic Pain Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold laser therapy systems require therapists or patients to hold handheld wands for extended periods, which is difficult due to pain and accessibility issues, especially in treating areas that are hard to reach, necessitating a hands-free solution that can accommodate different wand sizes and adjust distances for effective light delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a handheld cold laser device with a light emission surface and a receiver that allows for secure attachment to the patient's body, using a support member to maintain the light emission surface parallel to the skin, and optional features like reflective surfaces, heat release mechanisms, and adjustable positions to ensure effective and comfortable treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handheld wand is used for cold laser therapy, then the device can be positioned close to the treatment site, but it requires the therapist or patient to hold the device in place for extended periods which is difficult and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
A holder device acts as an intermediary between the cold laser wand and the patient's body. The holder includes a securing mechanism that attaches to the patient's skin and a positioning mechanism that holds the wand at the required distance from the treatment site, enabling hands-free operation during extended treatment periods
Solution Approach 2:
The holder device creates a stable, fixed position that replicates the ideal positioning of the wand without requiring continuous manual adjustment. The holder maintains the wand at the optimal distance and angle, copying the desired therapeutic positioning throughout the treatment duration
2Illumination intensity
If the wand is held close to the skin for effective treatment, then light delivery is improved, but patients with severe pain or neuropathy experience discomfort when the device touches or is near the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The holder device incorporates an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the wand's distance from the skin. This enables optimization of light delivery effectiveness while maintaining a comfortable distance for patients with pain sensitivity or neuropathy
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the key parameter of distance between the wand and skin. By adjusting this parameter, the system achieves effective light delivery without causing discomfort to sensitive patients, balancing therapeutic efficacy with patient comfort
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed holder design is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different wand sizes or adjust treatment distances
Solution Approach 1:
The holder device is segmented into separate functional components: a securing mechanism for attachment to the patient's body, a positioning mechanism for holding the wand, and an adjustment mechanism for modifying distance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The holder includes adjustable elements that allow modification of the wand holding position and distance from the skin. These dynamic features enable accommodation of different wand sizes and treatment requirements without requiring a completely different device design
4Productivity
If the wand is held at a fixed distance from the skin, then positioning is simple, but it cannot optimize treatment for different conditions or patient needs
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the wand's distance from the treatment site. This enables optimization of light delivery for different treatment conditions, tissue depths, and patient requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
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 hands-free treatment of various conditions, including neuropathic pain, by securely holding the cold laser wand in place, allowing for adjustable distances and comfortable positioning, thereby improving treatment efficacy and reducing patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
activating the handheld cold laser device to transmit light from the light emission surface through the light emission surface receiver and to the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
adjusting a position of a support member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the support member is attached to at least one of the light emission surface receiver or the patient attachment surface, wherein the second end of the support member is in physical contact with the body of the handheld cold laser device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for treating neuropathic pain by using a photobiomodulation device in a handheld manner. A robotic arm is attached to a light emitting device and controlled, using a visual display, to automatically position the light emitting device over areas to be treated on the patient's body. The automated light delivery process allows a patient to treat large portions of her body in a handsfree manner.