Illuminated Bandage with Light Diffusing Element for Wound Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bandages rely solely on anti-bacterial lotions for wound disinfection, which may not be sufficient in all cases, and there is a need for an alternative method that can effectively disinfect wounds without relying on topical applications.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated bandage that incorporates a power source, a light source, and a light diffusing element within a supporting medium to generate and deliver light that promotes a photochemical reaction for disinfection, using wavelengths such as UV, infrared, and red laser light, potentially combined with photocatalysts like TiO2, to kill germs and inhibit microorganism growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bandages use only anti-bacterial lotions for wound disinfection, then the application is simple, but the disinfection effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple disinfection mechanisms into a single bandage system: anti-bacterial lotion application, light source activation, and photocatalyst reaction. This merging of functions allows the bandage to provide both chemical and photochemical disinfection, significantly improving disinfection effectiveness while integrating these functions into a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a photocatalyst as an intermediary substance that converts light energy into chemical action for disinfection. The photocatalyst absorbs light from the light source and catalyzes the production of reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria, serving as a bridge between the light source and the wound surface to enhance disinfection effectiveness.
2Reliability
If anti-bacterial lotion is applied to the wound, then the wound surface is treated, but the treatment may not be sufficient in all cases and requires continuous application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a light source and photocatalyst into the bandage structure in advance, enabling photochemical disinfection to occur automatically when the bandage is applied. This preliminary preparation of the disinfection system eliminates the need for continuous reapplication of anti-bacterial lotions, as the integrated system provides sustained disinfection action over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates continuous disinfection action through the light source that remains active throughout the bandage wear period. The photocatalyst continuously converts light energy into antibacterial action, providing uninterrupted disinfection unlike intermittent lotion applications, thereby maintaining effective disinfection throughout the treatment period.
3Reliability
If a light source is integrated into the bandage, then photochemical disinfection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the light source to serve multiple functions: it provides illumination for the wound area, activates the photocatalyst for disinfection, and can be integrated with the bandage structure itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving photochemical disinfection.
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 illuminated bandage provides a safe, easy-to-use, and effective method for wound disinfection by promoting photochemical reactions, ensuring thorough sterilization of the wound surface, even in challenging environments, without the need for topical disinfectants.
Implementation Method 1
a light source coupled to the power source to generate light
Implementation Method 2
at least one light diffusing element disposed in the supporting medium and optically coupled to the light source. The light diffusing element outputs light to promote a photochemical reaction
Implementation Method 3
The illuminated bandage includes a power source, a light source coupled to the power source to generate light and a patch. The light diffusing element outputs light to promote a photochemical reaction to disinfect a wound surface proximate thereto
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated bandage and method of disinfecting a wound. The illuminated bandage includes a power source, a light source coupled to the power source to generate light and a patch. The patch includes a supporting medium and at least one light diffusing element in the supporting medium and optically coupled to the light source. The light diffusing element outputs light to promote a photochemical reaction to disinfect a wound surface proximate thereto.