Laser Therapy Cap with Segmented PCB and Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating hair diseases such as hair loss and baldness are often lengthy, expensive, and can have toxic side effects, with topical treatments being inconvenient and potentially harmful.
Innovation Solution
A laser therapy apparatus featuring a cap with integrated light sources, a printed circuit board, and photodiode proximity sensors that ensure safe and targeted light emission by only activating when in close proximity to the scalp, allowing for portable and hands-free hair growth stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If topical drug treatments are used for hair loss, then hair growth may be promoted, but the treatment requires the person to be in a specific location and may cause toxic side effects and scalp injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces topical drug applications with a laser-based optical therapy system. The laser device emits specific wavelengths of light that penetrate the scalp to stimulate hair follicles, eliminating the need for chemical topicals and their associated side effects while providing a convenient, location-independent treatment option.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser light as an intermediary energy form to deliver therapeutic effects to the scalp. Instead of using chemical substances that require absorption and metabolism, the laser energy directly stimulates cellular processes in hair follicles, providing effective treatment without toxic side effects or location constraints.
2Ease of operation
If laser therapy apparatus is designed with printed circuit board, then the apparatus can be made portable and hands-free, but the printed circuit board requires complex routing and bending to fit the cap shape
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is divided into multiple segments or sections with strategic cutouts that allow the board to be bent and shaped to conform to the curved surface of the cap. This segmentation enables the rigid PCB to adapt to the curved geometry without requiring complex three-dimensional routing or flexible circuit materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board is designed with curvature to match the spherical or dome-like shape of the cap interior. By incorporating arc-shaped traces and strategic cutouts, the PCB can be bent into a curved configuration that fits the cap's geometry, enabling portable hands-free operation while maintaining manageable circuit routing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If photodiode proximity sensors are added to control light emission, then safety is improved by preventing light emission when not near scalp, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Photodiode proximity sensors are integrated to provide feedback about the distance between the laser device and the user's scalp. When the sensors detect that the device is within the proper treatment distance, they enable light emission; when the device is too far away, they automatically disable the lasers. This feedback mechanism ensures safe operation while adding minimal complexity through simple distance-based control logic.
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 apparatus provides a convenient and safe method for promoting hair growth by emitting specific wavelengths of light that stimulate scalp energy, improving blood circulation and cellular activity, potentially leading to thicker and healthier hair without the drawbacks of traditional treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The first plurality of light sources may comprise at least one laser diode
Implementation Method 2
the first plurality of light sources includes at least one laser diode and at least one light emitting diode
Implementation Method 3
at least two photodiode proximity sensors disposed within the cap body shell
Data Source
AI summary
A laser therapy apparatus includes a cap body shell, a printed circuit board, a power supply, and a plurality of light sources electrically coupled to the printed circuit board and powered by the power supply. The plurality of light sources includes at least one laser diode. The printed circuit board includes a plurality of cuts, each cut including at least two sides. The printed circuit board is also bent into a dome shape. A laser therapy apparatus may also include at least two photodiode proximity sensors configured such that the plurality of light sources will only light if both photodiode proximity sensors are within a predetermined distance of a scalp to be treated, and the plurality of light sources will turn off if either of the at least two photodiode proximity sensors is moved more than a predetermined distance away from the scalp.