Fluorescent Textile Apparel for Passive Light Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) devices rely on electrical power sources and emit light using lasers or LEDs, limiting their form and usage, whereas there is a need for systems that can provide LLLT independently of electrical power sources and produce visible and near-infrared radiation without such devices.
Innovation Solution
An electrically passive article of apparel made from textile materials that absorb incident light spectra, including UV, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths, and emit light in the visible and near-infrared range, utilizing fluorescent components with high quantum efficiency to emit therapeutic radiation without an external power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If electrical power sources and lasers/LEDs are used to deliver LLLT, then light emission is achieved, but device portability and usage flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light-emitting function from electrical power sources and lasers/LEDs, replacing it with fluorescent materials embedded in textile fibers. The fluorescent components are incorporated directly into the textile structure during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate power supply devices and light-emitting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The textile material itself serves as the light source by incorporating fluorescent components that convert absorbed light into therapeutic wavelengths. The textile autonomously performs the light emission function without requiring external electrical power or control systems, making the device self-sufficient and highly portable.
2Illumination intensity
If high intensity light is used for LLLT, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but exposure time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous or extended periodic exposure by incorporating fluorescent materials that can be repeatedly excited by ambient light sources. The textile can be worn for extended periods, continuously converting ambient light into therapeutic wavelengths, allowing for prolonged low-intensity exposure that accumulates therapeutic effect over time.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional LLLT devices are used, then therapeutic wavelengths are produced, but application versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal light therapy solution by integrating fluorescent materials into various textile forms including clothing, footwear, head coverings, and bedding. The same fluorescent mechanism can be incorporated into different textile products, allowing one technology platform to serve multiple therapeutic applications and body areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible textile materials as the substrate for fluorescent components, replacing rigid laser devices and LED arrays. The textile form factor allows the light therapy device to conform to body contours and be worn comfortably, significantly improving adaptability and user compliance compared to traditional rigid devices.
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 the delivery of LLLT without electrical power, allowing for broader application and longer exposure times with lower intensity, providing therapeutic effects such as hair regrowth, muscle toning, skin rejuvenation, and pain relief by emitting light within specific therapeutic wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
An exemplary embodiment of a low-level light therapy system comprises an article of apparel that absorbs an incident spectrum including one or more of a UV wavelength, a visible wavelength, and a near infrared wavelength and emits light having an emission spectrum including one or more of visible light radiation and near infrared radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Low-level light therapy system with an electrically passive, article of apparel that absorbs an incident spectrum including one or more of a UV wavelength, a visible wavelength, and a near infrared wavelength and emits light having an emission spectrum including visible light radiation and near infrared radiation. Light is emitted from the yarns and a textile material consisting of a network of yarns (as well as the article of apparel made from such a textile material) having an emission spectrum including visible light radiation and near infrared radiation in a direction toward a body of a person. An article of apparel that emits light in the visible/near infrared spectrum, a method of manufacture, and a low-level light therapy method are also disclosed.