Flexible Wearable Laser Array With Pneumatic Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low-level laser therapeutic instruments (LLLTIs) face challenges in providing even and precise dosages, especially on curved or small areas, require cumbersome cooling systems, are not portable, and pose eye safety risks due to heat issues and non-uniform radiation distribution, limiting their effectiveness and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic laser or light emitting diode device (TLD) with a stretchable, flexible membrane structure, high-pressure air cavity, and controllable fans for cooling, combined with capacitive and infrared sensors for precise temperature control, and a touch screen computerized device for wireless communication and power management, allowing for flexible application and safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If larger LLLTI with many more lasers or LEDs are used to cover greater area, then treatment area coverage is improved, but device complexity and portability deteriorate due to cumbersome cooling apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent laser/LED modules arranged in an array, each module capable of being individually controlled and cooled. This segmentation allows the large treatment area to be covered while managing the thermal load of each individual module, reducing the overall complexity compared to a single large cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) to mount the laser/LED modules and cooling elements. This flexible substrate allows the device to conform to curved body surfaces while maintaining electrical connections and thermal management, enabling large area coverage without rigid cumbersome cooling apparatus.
2Stability of the object's composition
If most large LLLTI are made rigid to maintain structure, then manufacturing stability is improved, but adaptability to curved body surfaces deteriorates, resulting in non-uniform dosage distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes flexible printed circuit boards and flexible mounting structures that allow the laser/LED array to bend and conform to curved body surfaces. This flexibility maintains structural integrity while enabling adaptation to various anatomical contours, ensuring uniform dosage distribution across the treatment area.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow it to dynamically adapt to different body shapes and treatment areas. The flexible construction enables the device to change its form factor while maintaining stable operation, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If small hand held LLLTI are used for curved areas, then adaptability to body contours is improved, but treatment time increases due to repeated movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser/LED modules into a single large flexible array that can treat extensive curved surfaces simultaneously. By merging multiple treatment zones into one device, it eliminates the need for repeated movement while maintaining adaptability to body contours through its flexible construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a one-dimensional linear array to a two-dimensional flexible surface array, enabling simultaneous coverage of large curved areas. This dimensional expansion allows the device to treat entire body surfaces in a single application, dramatically reducing treatment time while maintaining conformability.
4Power
If laser power is increased to deliver higher dosage, then therapeutic effect is improved, but heat generation increases causing safety issues and requiring cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The total laser power is distributed across multiple independent modules in the array. Each module operates at lower individual power levels, generating manageable heat that can be dissipated locally. This segmentation allows high total power delivery for effective treatment while controlling temperature through distributed thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates cooling channels and fluid circulation systems that use pneumatic or hydraulic principles to remove heat from the laser/LED modules. This active cooling mechanism enables sustained high-power operation by efficiently dissipating generated heat, maintaining safety while delivering therapeutic doses.
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 uniform and precise light distribution, maintains optimal temperature for semiconductor diodes, ensures patient mobility, and enhances safety by preventing overheating and ensuring correct dosage delivery, while being user-friendly and secure.
Implementation Method 1
one or more high pressure fans with speed control and air filters, which draw air in from above and force it beneath membrane (1)
Implementation Method 2
capacitive and infrared sensors for precise temperature control
Implementation Method 3
one or more infrared sensors (16)
Implementation Method 4
semiconductor laser diodes and lens sets (7) and automatic power control circuit electronic modules (21) or light emitting diodes and lens sets (29)
Implementation Method 5
light emitting diodes and lens sets (29)
Implementation Method 6
A stretchable, flexible membrane structure
Implementation Method 7
high pressure air cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Method of producing a therapeutic laser or LED device (TLD). The TLD includes flexible membranes which comprise a high pressure air cavity. High air pressure is produced by fans which are computer speed controlled. Standoff posts provide a separation function between the TLD and the patient. Semiconductor laser diodes and lens sets or LEDs and lens sets in a two dimensional array produce the therapeutic light. Cooling air tubes direct air controlled by temperature sensors from the high pressure cavity onto laser diodes or LEDs. Capacitive proximity sensors in conjunction with infrared radiation sensors confirm close contact with a patient and allow light radiation. Power is supplied either by battery or by connection to mains power. A wireless touch screen device displays information to the user and controls the therapy session. The TLD and the power supply both have stretchable straps enabling the TLD to be fixed to the patient.