Modular LED Photodynamic Therapy Device for Acupuncture Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current photodynamic therapy equipment for skin treatments is costly, complex, and requires skilled operators due to its reliance on lasers with limited wavelength capabilities, posing risks and being ineffective at treating deep skin layers, while pulsed light systems are less effective at deeper layers and more complex to operate.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive device using LEDs with adjustable light-emitting units emitting nanometer wavelengths, housed in a modular and easily maintainable structure, allowing common technicians to operate safely and effectively, with a focus on lower production costs and easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If laser light is used for photodynamic therapy, then treatment depth is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment depthVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the light source into multiple independent LED modules, each capable of emitting at different wavelengths. This allows the system to achieve deep tissue penetration capability through wavelength selection without requiring complex laser systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining treatment depth effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The LED-based light source is designed to be multi-functional, capable of emitting multiple wavelengths suitable for both deep and shallow layer treatments. This universal light source replaces the need for multiple specialized laser devices, simplifying the equipment while maintaining versatility across different treatment depths and conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If laser light is used for photodynamic therapy, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs LED light sources that emit lower energy levels compared to high-power lasers. While individual LED modules have limited lifespan, their low energy output ensures inherent safety by reducing the risk of thermal damage and other harmful effects. The modular design allows replacement of individual modules rather than the entire system, maintaining treatment effectiveness while prioritizing patient safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If pulsed light is used for photodynamic therapy, then ease of operation is improved, but treatment depth capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator skill requirementVSAvoidtreatment depth
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates different LED modules with specific wavelength characteristics optimized for different treatment depths. The system allows selection of appropriate wavelength modules based on the specific treatment requirement, providing deep layer penetration capability when needed while maintaining ease of operation through a user-friendly interface that guides technicians in selecting the appropriate configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser wavelengths are used for different treatments, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment versatilityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple wavelength capabilities into a single integrated LED-based platform. Different LED modules emitting at various wavelengths are combined within one device system, allowing the equipment to handle multiple treatment types and depths without requiring separate laser devices. This unified approach maintains high adaptability while significantly reducing the complexity associated with managing multiple independent laser systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 a cost-effective, safe, and user-friendly solution for treating skin conditions at various depths with adjustable light settings, enabling effective energy increase at acupuncture points and facilitating maintenance through modular design.

Implementation Method 1

a light-emitting module disposed in the housing having a plurality of light-emitting units which are LEDs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the interior of the bending tube has a transmission cable, one end of the transmission cable is electrically connected to the light-emitting module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9345903B2Device for increasing energy at acupuncture points
Publication Date: 2016.05.24 PAN NIEN CHUNG
  • US9345903B2 patent drawing
  • US9345903B2 patent drawing
  • US9345903B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for increasing energy at acupuncture points includes a housing, a light-emitting module, a base, a circuit device, a bending tube and a connection unit. The light-emitting module is disposed in the housing and has a plurality of light-emitting units. The base is a hollow casing. The circuit device includes a circuit board disposed in the base and electrically connected to a first connector. One end of the bending tube is connected to the housing. A transmission line is disposed in the bending tube. One end of the transmission line is electrically connected to the light-emitting module. The other end of the bending tube has a second connector electrically connected to the other end of the transmission line. The other end of the bending tube is removably connected to the base through the connection unit. The first connector and the second connector are selectively electrically connected.