Laser Therapy Pre-Use Check System
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Solution Overview
Problem
During photodynamic therapy (PDT), there is a need to ensure that the laser therapy apparatus functions properly to avoid malfunctions that can disrupt the treatment process.
Innovation Solution
A laser therapy apparatus is designed with a pre-use check system that includes a laser source, a light amount detector, a pre-use checker, and an alarm, which performs checks based on past activation information to determine if the apparatus is ready for use and alerts the user if it is not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pre-use check system is implemented to ensure proper functioning before therapy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pre-use check system that performs verification before therapy begins. The check detector determines whether a pre-use check has been performed based on past activation information, and the alarm reports the check result before therapy starts. This preliminary verification ensures the laser apparatus is functioning properly before use, preventing malfunctions during therapy while maintaining manageable system complexity through targeted pre-checks.
2Reliability
If pre-use checks are performed at every activation to ensure reliability, then therapy safety is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing pre-use checks selectively rather than at every activation. The check detector determines whether a pre-use check has been performed based on past activation information, allowing the system to skip redundant checks when the apparatus has been continuously activated without interruption. This approach maintains therapy safety by performing checks when necessary while reducing time loss by avoiding unnecessary repeated checks during continuous operation.
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
This setup allows users to confirm the apparatus is functioning correctly before therapy, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions during treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a light amount detector for detecting a light amount of laser light
Data Source
AI summary
A laser therapy apparatus includes: a laser source including a light source for outputting first laser light; a laser irradiator for subjecting the first laser light to at least one of light-guiding and beamforming to convert the first laser light into second laser light, and radiating the second laser light to the exterior; a second light amount detector for detecting a light amount of second laser light; a pre-use checker for performing a pre-use check at least based on a result of detection by the second light amount detector; a pre-use check detector for determining whether a pre-use check corresponding to the current activation has been performed or not, based on past-activation information and a result of the check by the pre-use checker; and an alarm for, at the current activation, reporting a result of determination by the pre-use check detector.