Flexible LED Vein Visualization Device with Segmented Driver

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vein detection devices are inconvenient, costly, and often require assistance from a second person, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort for patients and clinicians during blood draws and IV insertions, especially in emergency or remote settings.

Innovation Solution

A vein visualization device with a flexible substrate and surface mount LEDs, adhered to the skin, powered by a removable driver with a magnetic connection, providing optimal illumination for vein visibility with minimal heat and space requirements, allowing single-person operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional vein detection devices are used, then vein visualization is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevein visualizationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a reusable driver unit and a disposable illumination element. The disposable element contains only the essential illumination components (LEDs and flexible substrate), while the complex driver electronics are separated and reused. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual component and lowers the cost of the disposable portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination element with LEDs mounted on a flexible substrate is designed as a disposable component. This allows the complex driver unit to be reused while the simple illumination element is discarded after single use, reducing overall device complexity and cost for each procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Illumination intensity

If vein detection devices are carried in emergency kits, then vein visualization is improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevein visualizationVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the heavy driver unit from the lightweight illumination element, the emergency kit only needs to carry the minimal disposable illumination element for immediate use, while the reusable driver can remain at the base station or be shared across multiple emergency kits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable illumination element is designed to be extremely lightweight and compact, suitable for emergency kits with strict weight and space constraints. The bulk of the device weight is in the reusable driver that does not need to be carried in each emergency kit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Illumination intensity

If vein detection devices are used, then vein visualization is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to requiring assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevein visualizationVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to be self-applied by the patient or easily positioned by a single clinician without requiring assistance to hold or stabilize the device. The flexible substrate with adhesive backing allows the patient to self-apply the illumination element to their own skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible substrate allows the device to conform to various body contours and be easily positioned by a single person. The flexibility and thin profile enable simple application without requiring a second person to assist with positioning or stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If multiple attempts are made to locate veins, then vein access is achieved, but vein damage and patient discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevein access successVSAvoidvein damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables preliminary visualization of veins before needle insertion by illuminating the skin surface to reveal underlying vein structures. This preliminary action allows the clinician to identify suitable vein locations in advance, planning the insertion path to avoid multiple attempts and reduce vein damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates accurate and efficient vein location with reduced discomfort and risk of contamination, minimizing the need for multiple attempts and reducing the risk of vein damage, suitable for various medical and cosmetic procedures.

Implementation Method 1

surface mount LEDs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

providing optimal illumination for vein visibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission through tissue: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic connection: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4326143B1A vein visualisation aid device

Publication Date: 2025.09.24 MCAS DESIGN LIMITED

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AI summary

A visualisation aid device (1) has a flexible PCB (2, 203) with a ring of surface mount LEDs (5, 202) around a circular opening (9). The LEDs emit at a wavelength to provide vein visualisation through a skin area exposed by the opening (9) in use. A transparent membrane (210) extends across the needle-access opening, and it has an adhesive on its skin-facing distal side. After insertion of the needle (N) with the benefit of visualisation by the LEDs (202) the substrate may be removed leaving only the membrane (210) maintaining a sterile environment around the puncture site and helping to retain the needle in place.