Microstructured Phototherapy Bed for Uniform Neonatal Light Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phototherapy approaches for treating jaundice in neonates suffer from uneven light distribution, potential eye exposure, dehydration, high power consumption, and space requirements, making them unsuitable for remote locations and expensive to ship.
Innovation Solution
A phototherapy apparatus with a bed made of transparent or translucent material and microstructures that diffusely transmit light, using total internal reflection and microstructures to achieve uniform light distribution, reducing power consumption and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional phototherapy approaches are used, then light can be provided to patients, but uneven light distribution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bed surface is segmented into multiple microstructures (protrusions and recesses) that individually control light transmission. Each microstructure acts as a separate light diffusion element, collectively achieving uniform light distribution across the entire treatment surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed incorporates localized microstructures with specific geometric properties (protrusions and recesses) at different positions to optimize light diffusion locally. These microstructures create varying light transmission characteristics across different areas of the bed to achieve overall uniformity.
2Reliability
If traditional phototherapy apparatuses are used, then treatment can be provided, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional high-power mechanical lighting systems with LED light sources that consume less energy. The microstructured bed surface enhances light diffusion efficiency, allowing effective treatment with lower power input compared to conventional phototherapy apparatuses.
3Reliability
If traditional phototherapy apparatuses are used, then treatment can be provided, but space requirements are large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source, diffusing medium (bed with microstructures), and treatment chamber into an integrated compact apparatus. The bed itself serves as both a patient support surface and a light diffusion medium, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by incorporating microstructures (protrusions and recesses) that extend into the depth of the bed material. This three-dimensional light diffusion approach achieves uniform illumination in a compact footprint, reducing the horizontal space required compared to traditional two-dimensional lighting arrangements.
4Illumination intensity
If transparent or translucent bed material is used, then light transmission is improved, but potential eye exposure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microstructures (protrusions and recesses) are pre-configured in the bed surface to diffuse light before it reaches the patient. This preliminary light diffusion action ensures that even with transparent or translucent material, the light reaching the patient's eyes is scattered and reduced in intensity, mitigating exposure risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The microstructured surface acts as an intermediary between the light source and the patient. The protrusions and recesses scatter and diffuse the light transmission, serving as a protective mediator that reduces direct light exposure to the patient's eyes while maintaining effective treatment illumination.
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 efficient, uniform light distribution with reduced power consumption, minimizing dehydration and space needs, suitable for at-home treatment and remote use.
Implementation Method 1
a bed having (i) at least one of a transparent or a translucent material... The light source is constructed and arranged to generate light that is transmitted from the light source through the transparent or translucent material of the bed
Implementation Method 2
The phototherapy treatment apparatus includes the bed having (i) at least one of a transparent or a translucent material, and (ii) a surface having a plurality of microstructures. The light source is constructed and arranged to generate light that is transmitted from the light source through the transparent or translucent material of the bed and through the plurality of microstructures such that the light exits the plurality of microstructures having a more diffusive distribution
Implementation Method 3
using total internal reflection and microstructures to achieve uniform light distribution
Data Source
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AI summary
A phototherapy treatment apparatus and methods are provided. In particular, the present disclosure provides a phototherapy treatment apparatus configured to diffusely transmit light emitted from a light source to a patient.