Handheld Laser Diode Beam Shaping for Safe Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser therapy devices for treating ailments are often large, expensive, and hazardous, requiring trained personnel, whereas there is a need for miniature, user-safe, handheld devices that can be used at home for various applications including pain relief, skin conditions, and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A handheld low-energy laser device utilizing a laser diode that exploits natural divergence to produce a collimated, monochromatic beam dispersing at different angles, creating a larger elongated illumination area for safer and more efficient treatment, with optional visible light for user safety and a controller managing the duty cycle for consistent power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional laser therapy equipment is used, then effective treatment is achieved, but the device is large, expensive, and hazardous requiring trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a laser diode that replicates the essential therapeutic properties of traditional laser systems (monochromatic, coherent light) in a miniaturized form factor. The laser diode copies the functional characteristics of large laser equipment while eliminating the need for complex support systems, trained operators, and hazardous safety protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive laser diodes that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than expensive traditional laser systems. The simple design allows for cost-effective manufacturing and potential disposable or easy-replacement units, making the technology accessible for home use without requiring expensive equipment maintenance or specialized personnel
2Power
If laser intensity is concentrated for effective treatment, then therapeutic effect is improved, but eye safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the laser diode's natural divergence properties to distribute laser energy across an elongated area rather than concentrating it in a single point. By exploiting the different divergence angles in orthogonal directions, the energy is spread over a larger surface area, reducing the intensity at any single location and thereby reducing eye exposure hazard while maintaining total therapeutic power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial distribution parameters of the laser beam by utilizing the inherent asymmetric divergence of laser diodes. Instead of attempting to focus the beam to a tight spot, the system accepts and utilizes the natural beam spread characteristics to create an elongated illumination pattern that delivers adequate power density across a larger area, reducing peak intensity and associated safety risks
3Manufacturing precision
If laser beam is collimated for precise treatment, then treatment precision is improved, but the illumination area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an elongated illumination area by exploiting the different divergence angles of the laser diode in orthogonal directions. The beam is effectively 'collimated' in one dimension while naturally spreading in the other, creating an extended treatment area along the direction of greater divergence while maintaining sufficient precision in the orthogonal direction
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 provides effective, safe, and efficient treatment of larger areas with reduced intensity per unit area, enhancing user safety and clinical efficiency by preventing accidental eye exposure and maintaining constant power output over time, while allowing for longer device lifespan without replacing the laser diode.
Implementation Method 1
the laser, which is based on the quantum phenomenon of stimulated emission, provided an excellent source of concentrated light for treating patients
Implementation Method 2
The device includes a lens that turns the laser beam into a collimated beam wherein the rays from the smaller dispersion angle provides a narrow illumination area
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser therapy device, including: a laser diode that is adapted to produce a monochromatic laser beam; a lens that is adapted to receive the beam directly from the laser diode and exploit the natural divergence of the laser diode to form an essentially coherent monochromatic, collimated beam; wherein the formed beam is adapted to form on a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the beam an elongated illuminated area in which the length of the illuminated area is at least twice the size of the width of the illuminated area; a controller that is adapted to control activation of the laser diode; an encasement enclosing the laser diode, the lens and the controller; wherein the encasement is adapted to be hand held by the user.