Flexible Silicone Light Therapy Device with Segmented Adhesive Patch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light therapy devices are not reusable, cause discomfort due to adhesive issues, and fail to effectively treat uneven body surfaces, leading to medical waste and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reusable light therapy device with a flexible silicone casing, detachable controller, and adhesive agent, featuring a Flexible Printed Circuit Board with LEDs and deformable elements, designed to conform to various body shapes and provide multiple therapeutic modalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional light therapy devices use adhesive tape for attachment, then the device can be easily applied to the body, but the device cannot be reused and causes discomfort during detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reusable main body and a disposable adhesive patch. The adhesive patch is segmented from the main device, allowing the main device to be reused while only the adhesive patch is discarded after single use. This resolves the contradiction by enabling ease of application through the adhesive patch while maintaining reusability of the functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive patch is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is replaced after each use. This allows the expensive main device to be reused multiple times while the disposable patch handles the attachment function, eliminating discomfort from repeated detachment of the main device.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional patches are designed for single use, then manufacturing is simple, but medical waste increases and cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into reusable and disposable portions. The main device containing electronic components, light sources, and control circuits is reused, while only the adhesive patch is discarded. This reduces medical waste significantly compared to complete single-use devices, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for the disposable adhesive component.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive tape is used to cover uneven body surfaces, then application is simple, but the entire irregular surface cannot be effectively covered
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive patch is designed with flexible, dynamic material that can conform to uneven body surfaces. The patch material possesses elastic properties allowing it to adapt to irregular contours while maintaining adhesive contact, effectively covering uneven areas like the region below the eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive patch utilizes flexible thin film material that can bend and conform to irregular body surfaces. This flexible structure allows the patch to adapt to uneven areas while maintaining simple application, resolving the contradiction between application simplicity and surface adaptability.
4Productivity
If the device is made reusable with detachable controller, then cost-effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a main body and a detachable controller. This segmentation enables reusability of the main device while allowing the controller to be replaced or upgraded independently. The modular structure manages complexity by separating functional components that can be developed and maintained independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable controller is designed with universal connectivity to work with different main device units. This universality allows the controller to serve multiple functions across different device iterations, managing complexity through standardized interfaces while maintaining cost-effectiveness through reuse.
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 device minimizes medical waste, enhances user comfort, and effectively treats uneven surfaces by being reusable, water-resistant, and adaptable, while reducing discomfort and improving therapeutic efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive agent may include, but is not limited to, a glue, a gel, and a double-sided tape
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric material is interwoven within the flexible casing to enable the flexible casing to conform to the user's body contour
Implementation Method 3
The Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB) comprises a plurality of stimulation elements... irradiation sources like LEDs and lasers to deliver energy to specific body areas
Data Source
AI summary
A light therapy device comprises a flexible casing made with flexible silicone material. A Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB) is installed over a front portion of the flexible casing. The FPCB comprises a plurality of stimulation elements and at least one pair of primary electrodes for therapeutic and recreational purpose. A detachable controller is attached over a back portion of the flexible casing. The controller comprises at least one pair of secondary electrodes, a rechargeable battery, and a user interface. The at least one pair of secondary electrodes engages with the at least one pair of primary electrodes to transmit the power from the rechargeable battery to the FPCB. Further, a flexible diaphanous sheet mounted over the FPCB through which the light therapy is provided to a user.