LED Therapy Bed with Individually Controllable Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light therapy beds, particularly those retrofitted from tanning beds, face issues such as LEDs being too far from the body, distortion of light energy, and uneven body temperature distribution, which reduces therapeutic efficacy and complicates FDA clearance.
Innovation Solution
A custom-designed LED therapy bed with LEDs positioned ¼-½ inch from the body, using transparent acrylic to minimize energy distortion, and individually controlled LED modules to maintain uniform skin temperature between 97-108°F, along with fans for temperature regulation, ensures consistent thermal and light delivery across the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are positioned closer to the body to improve light penetration and therapeutic efficacy, then light delivery effectiveness is improved, but heat generation and temperature control difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LED array is divided into multiple independently controllable modules or zones that can be operated separately. This allows selective activation of LED groups to distribute heat generation across different areas, preventing localized overheating while maintaining effective light delivery distance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts LED operating parameters including intensity, duty cycle, and activation patterns based on real-time temperature feedback from sensors. This dynamic control enables the system to maintain effective therapeutic light delivery while preventing temperature from rising above safe thresholds
2Illumination intensity
If high power LEDs are used to increase light output for effective therapy, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but heat generation increases making temperature control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the wasted energy in the form of heat into a useful therapeutic component by controlling skin temperature elevation to between 97-108°F to enhance light penetration and therapeutic effectiveness, while using active cooling to prevent excessive heat accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the LEDs including drive current, pulse width modulation duty cycles, and operating wavelengths to optimize the ratio of useful light output to heat generation, allowing high intensity illumination while managing thermal output
3Strength
If acrylic cover is used to protect LEDs and provide structural support, then device durability is improved, but light energy distortion and reduced power output occur
Solution Approach 1:
The acrylic cover is specifically selected and engineered to be transparent or ultra-transparent to the therapeutic light wavelengths used (typically blue, red, and near-infrared), minimizing absorption and distortion of light energy while providing necessary structural protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite material construction including transparent acrylic covers with optimized optical properties, combined with reflective surfaces and thermal management materials to simultaneously protect LEDs, maintain light output intensity, and manage heat
4Area of stationary object
If LEDs are spaced farther from the body to provide uniform coverage, then coverage area is improved, but light penetration effectiveness and temperature elevation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from relying solely on increased LED-to-body distance for coverage to using multiple LED arrays positioned on both the headboard and footboard, effectively utilizing the third dimension (depth along the bed) to achieve comprehensive body coverage while maintaining optimal light intensity at each treatment zone
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 configuration enhances bio-stimulative effects, achieving a highly statistically significant reduction in blood pressure and improved penetration of phototherapy, meeting FDA clearance requirements by maintaining uniform body temperature and ensuring effective light delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a Light Emitting Diode (LED) Therapy Bed
Implementation Method 2
non-monochromatic light emitted in the range of about 415 nm to about 940 nm penetrates body tissue and is absorbed, reflected and scattered to excite molecules within cells and tissue
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of LEDs being overdriven to increase light output beyond normal operating intensity and to further produce thermal heat from said plurality of LEDs in order to produce a skin temperate of a user of between 97 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit from direct thermal conduction
Implementation Method 4
Each module further including at least one fan wherein said fan speed is regulated directly or indirectly by said at least one temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A light therapy bed including multiple LEDs positioned in individually controllable modules is disclosed. The modules of LEDs are configured to have direct contact or in close proximity to the skin or tissue of the user, through an acrylic or similar cover. The LEDs light the surface and underlying layers of tissue for photodynamic stimulation of the cells. Iterations of the device utilize light known to have a bactericidal effect in the case of acne, MRSA, etc. The bed is fabricated and formed in a curved configuration to optimize contact between the LEDs and the skin of a user. Each of the LED modules may be mounted with a PCB in an arrangement to provide even lighting and temperature upon the skin or tissue surface of a user. Each module also has one or more thermal sensors that evenly and quickly heat all of the areas of a user's body.