Intracorporeal Light Emitter With Insertion-Gated Dosage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting devices for treating vaginal infections are unsafe, difficult to use, and lack precise dosage control, with UV light posing risks to eye tissues and requiring special training or equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device with an intracorporeal and extracorporeal arm, equipped with light sources, sensors, and a microprocessor, ensures safe and efficient light emission within and outside the body cavity by detecting insertion depth and activating light sources only when fully inserted, using LEDs in different spectra to treat infections without eye damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is used for treating vaginal infections, then pathogen elimination is effective, but eye tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the light source into different wavelength components using multiple LEDs (UV-A, blue, green, red) rather than using intense UV-C light. This segmentation allows achieving pathogen elimination through combined spectral action while avoiding the most harmful wavelengths for eye tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the light emission parameters by using multiple LED wavelengths (365nm, 450nm, 530nm, 630nm) instead of single-wavelength UV light. This parameter change maintains therapeutic effectiveness while reducing harmful effects on eye tissues through the specific spectral composition selected.
2Measurement precision
If precise UV light dosage control is implemented, then treatment effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements self-service through automatic dosage control where the microprocessor manages light emission duration and intensity based on sensor feedback. The system automatically determines when the intracorporeal arm is properly inserted and controls light emission timing without requiring manual dosage calculation or complex user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses feedback mechanisms where sensors detect insertion depth and position, providing information to the microprocessor which then adjusts light emission accordingly. This feedback loop enables precise dosage control while keeping the user interface simple and automatic.
3Reliability
If sensor arrangement and microprocessor control are added, then safety and dosage control improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor and sensor arrangement serve multiple functions simultaneously: detecting insertion depth, controlling light emission timing, monitoring treatment duration, and managing power consumption. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the control electronics, sensors, and light sources into an integrated housing unit. The microprocessor, sensor arrangement, and multiple LED arrays are combined in a single compact device, reducing complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different spectra are used, then treatment versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the light therapy into multiple discrete wavelength sources (UV-A, blue, green, red LEDs) that can be individually controlled or activated together. This segmentation allows targeting different pathogen types and tissue conditions with specific wavelengths while maintaining a manageable device architecture through modular LED arrays.
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
Facilitates simple, safe, and effective at-home treatment of vaginal infections, reducing pathogen levels while preventing eye-damaging light emission, without the need for special training or equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of light sources (5) and an energy source (6) are arranged within the housing (2). The plurality of light sources (5) comprises a first array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (5a) configured to emit light in a 380-500 nm spectrum and a second array of LEDs (5b) configured to emit light in a 315-400 nm spectrum
Implementation Method 2
The housing (2) comprises a translucent material configured to allow propagation of light through the housing (2)
Implementation Method 3
A sensor arrangement (7) is configured to detect if the intracorporeal arm (3) is inserted, to a predefined extent, within the body cavity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device (1) for emitting light within and outside a body cavity, the device comprising a housing (2) comprising an intracorporeal arm (3) having a first center axis (A1) and an extracorporeal arm (4) having a second center axis (A2), said first center axis (A1) intersecting said second center axis (A2). The housing (2) comprises a translucent material configured to allow propagation of light through said housing (2). A sensor arrangement (7) is configured to detect if said intracorporeal arm (3) is inserted within said body cavity. A microprocessor (8) is configured to allow activation of at least one light source (5) arranged within said housing (2) and to allow continuous emission of light as long as said sensor arrangement detects that said intracorporeal arm is inserted within said body cavity. A user interface (9) is connected to said microprocessor (8) for activating said light source (s) (5).