Nasal Surface LED Array for Rhinitis Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rhinitis treatment devices are ineffective in treating the entire nasal cavity, including the middle and superior turbinated bones, due to limited light emission and potential discomfort during treatment, and may cause damage with strong laser irradiation.

Innovation Solution

A rhinitis treatment device with a substrate and light emitting devices arranged to cover the nose, emitting near-infrared light to penetrate cartilage and raise nasal surface temperature, providing thermal and light treatment without inserting a probe into the nostrils, thus avoiding discomfort and localized damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a laser diode probe is inserted into the nostril to directly irradiate laser beam into the nasal cavity, then the sterilization effect is improved, but the treatment time is extended and patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectVSAvoidtreatment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical probe insertion method with a non-invasive light emitting device worn on the nasal surface. Instead of mechanically inserting a laser probe into the nostril, the invention uses LEDs positioned on the nasal exterior to emit light that penetrates the nasal tissue, thereby eliminating insertion-related discomfort while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a light emitting device as an intermediary between the external environment and the nasal cavity. Rather than directly inserting instruments into the nasal passage, the device acts as a mediator by emitting light through the nasal surface, achieving therapeutic effects without physical intrusion into the nasal cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a laser diode probe is inserted into the nostril to directly irradiate laser beam into the nasal cavity, then the sterilization effect is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If laser beam is directly irradiated into a local area of the nasal cavity, then the sterilization effect is improved, but the therapeutic effect on the entire nose deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectVSAvoidtreatment area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the nasal treatment area into multiple zones by positioning separate light emitting devices at different locations on the nasal surface (bridge, wings, tip). Each LED targets a specific region, and collectively they cover the entire nasal cavity, ensuring comprehensive treatment without missing any areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional localized laser irradiation to two-dimensional distributed light emission across the nasal surface. By positioning multiple LEDs at different spatial locations on the nose, the treatment coverage expands from a single focal point to a comprehensive area encompassing the entire nasal cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If strong laser beam is used for treatment, then the sterilization effect is improved, but harmful effects on the body increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectVSAvoiddamage to body

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the light emission parameters from high-intensity laser beams to lower-intensity LED light. By using multiple LEDs with moderate power output distributed across the nasal surface, the cumulative therapeutic effect is achieved without the concentrated high energy density that causes tissue damage, thus maintaining safety while preserving sterilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively treats the entire nasal cavity, improving therapeutic outcomes by ensuring even light distribution and preventing discomfort during use.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light emitting devices disposed on the substrate, wherein the light emitting devices emit near-infrared light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-infrared light emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

emitting near-infrared light to penetrate cartilage and raise nasal surface temperature, providing thermal and light treatment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12128249B2Rhinitis treatment device

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 PEACH TECH

AI summary

The embodiment discloses a rhinitis treatment device including a frame covering a nose; a substrate disposed inside the frame; and a plurality of light emitting devices disposed on the substrate, wherein the substrate includes: a pair of first regions spaced apart from each other in a first direction to face both sides of the nose; and a second region disposed between the pair of first regions and extending in a second direction from a tip of the nose toward a root of the nose, and wherein the plurality of light emitting devices includes a plurality of first light emitting devices disposed in the pair of first regions.