Phosphor-Converted IR Lamp for Hyperthermia Without Skin Overheating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional water-filtered halogen lamps for radiotherapy are bulky, consume high power, and require large distances to the irradiated surface, limiting their use in mobile or on-skin applications due to safety concerns and patient fixation needs.

Innovation Solution

Phosphor-converted LEDs with spectral power distributions showing local minima in the 950-990 nm range, reducing power consumption and allowing for compact, safer, and more versatile infrared radiation delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If water-filtered halogen lamps are used for radiotherapy, then therapeutic irradiance levels are achieved, but power consumption is high and device size is bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic irradiance levelsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the light source from halogen lamp to LED, operating at different wavelengths (red and infrared) that naturally penetrate tissue effectively. This parameter change enables achieving therapeutic irradiance levels with significantly reduced power consumption compared to traditional halogen lamps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite approach by combining multiple LED types (red LEDs and infrared LEDs) in a single device. This composite light source delivers multiple wavelengths simultaneously, achieving effective tissue penetration and therapeutic irradiance while maintaining low power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If water-filtered halogen lamps are used for radiotherapy, then therapeutic irradiance levels are achieved, but the lamp housing temperature is high requiring large distance to irradiated surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic irradiance levelsVSAvoidlamp housing temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the light source from halogen lamp to LED, which operates at much lower temperatures. This parameter change eliminates the high lamp housing temperature problem while maintaining effective therapeutic irradiance delivery to the treatment area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the thermal-based halogen lamp system with an electroluminescent LED system. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature operation, allowing the device to be placed closer to the irradiated surface without safety concerns about excessive heat

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If water-filtered halogen lamps are used for radiotherapy, then therapeutic irradiance levels are achieved, but bulky form factor and high temperature require patient fixation and limit mobile applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic irradiance levelsVSAvoidmobile and on-skin application capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the light source parameters from halogen to LED, enabling compact form factor and low-temperature operation. These parameter changes make the device adaptable for mobile and on-skin applications while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal device that can be used in multiple application modes (mobile therapy, on-skin therapy, various treatment distances) by using LED technology with appropriate wavelength selection for tissue penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Achieves optimal therapeutic irradiance levels at reduced power consumption and closer distances, enabling mobile and on-skin applications without skin overheating, and providing enhanced safety and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

phosphor-converted light emitting devices with spectral power distributions showing local minima in the range of the first strong water absorption band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhosphor conversion: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

the infrared (IR) radiation of the treatment lamp can heat them to a higher extent than the surroundings and eventually initiate a reaction of the immune system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation heating: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

Since tumors and growths may show a higher water concentration than normal body tissue, the infrared (IR) radiation of the treatment lamp can heat them to a higher extent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater absorption of infrared radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250374720A1LED lamp with infrared output

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 LUMILEDS LLC

AI summary

An light emitting device, may include pump LEDs or lasers and one or more phosphors allowing the lamp to emit light with a spectral power distribution having a local minimum at a water vapor absorption band, such as at 950-990 nm. Such a device may be used in radiotherapy based on hyperthermia, providing light that penetrates tissue without risk of skin overheating. Utilizing LEDs or lasers may allow the light emitting device to achieve higher efficiency, better form factor, and lower operating temperatures than water-filtered halogen lamps utilized in radiotherapy.