Handheld LED Treatment Device with Interchangeable Emitter Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-emitting devices for dentistry and medicine, particularly UV-C applications, are cumbersome due to their large size and tethered design, making it difficult to apply UV-C light effectively in small spaces such as orthopedic surgery openings and dental surgeries, where convenience and versatility in treatment parameters are needed.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with interchangeable emitter heads capable of emitting a broad range of wavelengths, featuring removable tips and sensors for safety and directional control, allowing for various applications without being tethered to a base, and enabling delivery of UV-C, UV-A, and blue light energy through water for infection treatment and surface disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If UV-C light is produced using traditional bulbs or lamps, then UV-C radiation can be generated, but the device becomes large, hot, and tethered to a base
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional UV-C bulbs or lamps with UV-C emitting diodes (LEDs), which are solid-state light sources. This substitution eliminates the need for large glass envelopes, mercury vapor, and associated cooling systems, resulting in a compact, cool-running device that is not tethered to a base.
2Ease of operation
If traditional UV-C bulbs or lamps are used, then UV-C radiation can be produced, but the device is tethered to a base making it unwieldly for small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into modular components: a handle containing the power source and control electronics, and interchangeable emitter heads containing the UV-C LEDs. This segmentation allows the emitter head to be separated from the base unit, providing maneuverability for small spaces while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through standardization of interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the UV-C emitting component (emitter head) from the base unit, allowing it to be used independently as a handheld device. This extraction eliminates the tethering requirement and enables easy manipulation in confined spaces such as oral cavities and surgical sites.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single device is used for multiple applications, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the emitter heads with universal features: interchangeable LED modules that can emit different wavelengths (UV-C, UV-A, blue light), multiple tip attachments for different application areas, and a common interface with the handle. This allows a single device to perform multiple functions including disinfection, curing, and implant activation without requiring separate specialized 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
The handheld device provides a convenient, versatile, and safe means to deliver light treatments, enhancing bioactivity of implants, disinfecting, curing resins, and minimizing infections, with interchangeable heads and tips allowing for multiple protocols and applications, while ensuring safety through proximity and timing controls.
Implementation Method 1
Each emitter head contains one or more treatment LEDs that emit energy in the UV-C range, about 100-280 nm, or in the UV-A range, about 315-410 nm, or in the blue light range, about 405-480 nm
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic radiation in the UV-C range, about 100-280 nm, kills certain bacteria and other microorganisms. Consequently UV-C can be applied to surfaces to disinfect them or, since UV-C may selectively inactivate organisms while preserving the viability of mammalian cells, applied to live tissue to kill or even prevent bacterial infections in wounds
Implementation Method 3
UV-A and blue light are used to cure certain resins, such as synthetic resins that are used in dentistry as restorative material or adhesives
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held light treatment device configured with interchangeable emitter heads that are pre-programmed with desired treatment protocols and updated from a remote store of treatment protocols. The removable emitter heads each contain one or more treatment LEDs, a tracking light, a task light, a proximity sensor, and a control module. A tip is attached to the emitter head, either removably or integral therewith. In in one embodiment, the tip is integral with the emitter head and emits light perpendicular to the handle. Some embodiments have tips of various shapes that attach to the emitter heads, which permits a single device to direct the emitted energy at nearly any direction. The tips can be disposable or reusable. The light-emitting device may be used in conjunction with distilled water to treat infections, sterilize wounds or to minimize infection prior to surgical closure.