Infrared Vessel Location Device for Dark Skin

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for locating blood vessels, especially in patients with dark skin or underlying fatty tissue, are insufficient due to reliance on visual observation, which can be challenging in cases where blood vessels are not easily visible.

Innovation Solution

A vessel location assistance device utilizing infrared technology, which emits and receives infrared light to detect backscattered signals, allowing for the precise location of blood vessels without visual observation. The device includes a housing with infrared light emitters and receivers arranged in pairs along equally spaced rows, and a central processing unit to analyze the backscattered signals and indicate the presence of blood vessels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual observation is used to locate blood vessels, then the method is simple and quick, but it fails in patients with dark skin or underlying fatty tissue where vessels are not easily visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevessel location accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual observation (mechanical/optical system) with infrared detection (electromagnetic radiation system). The infrared emitters and receivers detect backscattered infrared light patterns to identify blood vessel locations, eliminating dependence on visual visibility and working effectively on all skin types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light reflection to infrared light absorption patterns. By using infrared radiation at specific wavelengths and analyzing backscattered signal patterns, the system can penetrate through skin and fatty tissue to detect blood vessels that are invisible in the visible spectrum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If infrared technology is used to detect blood vessels, then vessel location accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases with multiple emitters and receivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevessel location precisionVSAvoidemitter and receiver arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection system into multiple discrete emitter-receiver pairs arranged in specific patterns. Each pair independently measures backscattered infrared light from different locations, and the central processing unit analyzes the combined patterns to precisely locate blood vessels, improving measurement precision through distributed sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring backscattered infrared light patterns and adjusting the detection process. The central processing unit analyzes signals from multiple emitters and receivers, compares them against expected patterns, and provides real-time indication of blood vessel locations, enabling precise measurement through iterative analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple infrared light emitters and receivers are used, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by sequentially activating different emitter-receiver pairs rather than running all simultaneously. The central processing unit coordinates the emitters to pulse in sequence, with receivers measuring during their designated time windows, achieving reliable detection through time-multiplexed operation that reduces total energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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

The device effectively identifies the location of blood vessels, even in challenging cases, by analyzing backscattered infrared light, providing a reliable method for medical and dental procedures that requires precise vessel location.

Implementation Method 1

three infrared light emitters adapted to emit infrared light from the bottom portion of the housing to a patient and three infrared light receivers adapted to receive backscattered infrared light reflected from the patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackscattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

receive backscattered infrared light reflected from the patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

infrared radiation is reflected from general mammalian tissue yet, conversely, is absorbed by blood vessels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12220255B2Vessel location assistance device

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 NOVOTEC LLC

AI summary

A vessel location assistance device having a housing with a proximal portion and a distal portion, an infrared light emitter adapted to emit infrared light from the housing to a patient and an infrared light receiver adapted to receive backscattered infrared light intensity reflected from the patient, wherein the received backscattered infrared light intensity is converted to a voltage and when the voltage is within a calibrated range the device indicates the presence of a blood vessel. The device may further include at least one wing with a slot for capturing the blood vessel.