Phototherapy Applicator Thermal Control for Uniform UV Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phototherapy treatments for skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo face challenges such as non-uniform optical output distribution, temperature-induced flux reduction, and difficulty in maintaining precise energy levels and time intervals, leading to skin burning and low efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A phototherapy system with a handheld applicator featuring a thermal sensor, fan for cooling, and a grid pattern of LEDs, controlled by a portable controller to maintain uniform energy distribution and adhere to predetermined treatment regimens, ensuring safe and effective light therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UV LED temperature is not controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but optical output diminishes quickly and treatment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing thermal control measures before optical output degradation occurs. The system continuously monitors LED temperature and preemptively adjusts cooling fan speed and duty cycle to maintain optimal operating temperature, preventing optical output diminishment before it affects treatment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through temperature sensors that continuously monitor LED junction temperature and provide real-time data to the control system. The controller adjusts the cooling fan speed and PWM duty cycle based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that maintains consistent optical output despite temperature variations.
2Reliability
If LED cooling is enhanced, then optical output stability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cooling system adaptive rather than static. The cooling fan speed and PWM duty cycle are dynamically adjusted based on real-time LED temperature measurements and operational conditions. The system increases cooling only when temperature rises above thresholds and reduces cooling when temperatures are optimal, maintaining reliability while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting fan speed, PWM duty cycle, and cooling intensity based on LED temperature and optical output requirements. This allows the system to maintain optimal optical stability while consuming only the necessary amount of energy for cooling, avoiding constant high-energy operation.
3Productivity
If treatment energy level is increased, then treatment efficacy improves, but risk of skin burning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring LED temperature, optical output, and treatment parameters. The system uses this feedback to automatically adjust energy delivery, ensuring that high treatment efficacy is achieved only when thermal and optical conditions are optimal, thereby preventing skin burning from excessive energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary control mechanisms including temperature sensors, optical output sensors, and a microcontroller that mediate between the LED light source and the skin treatment process. These intermediaries monitor and regulate energy delivery, allowing high efficacy treatment while preventing harmful effects through real-time intervention.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple LEDs are used to improve uniformity, then optical output uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the treatment area into multiple zones, each served by individual LEDs arranged in a grid pattern. Each LED or LED group can be independently controlled through PWM dimming, allowing precise regulation of optical output uniformity across different treatment zones while managing complexity through modular control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different regions of the LED array to operate with different intensity levels. The control system can adjust individual LED or LED group brightness based on local treatment requirements, thermal conditions, and optical uniformity needs, achieving improved uniformity without requiring all LEDs to operate at maximum complexity.
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 system ensures consistent and safe phototherapy by maintaining uniform radiant flux, preventing skin burning and blistering, and optimizing treatment efficacy through precise energy and time control.
Implementation Method 1
One type of light source that can be used to generate light in a wavelength suitable for phototherapy includes light emitting diodes (LEDs). An LED comprises a two-lead semiconductor light source, which emits light when activated. When a suitable voltage is applied to the leads of a light emitting diode, energy is released in the form of photons.
Implementation Method 2
Research shows that to treat skin disorders, the treatments must have the correct level of energy applied to the skin. Unfortunately, there are still many known problems involving the treatment of skin diseases, including psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo, using various light sources. For example, one issue is that the optical output or radiant flux of an ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) can quickly be diminished as the temperature of the UV LED rises.
Implementation Method 3
The optical output or radiant flux of an ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) can quickly be diminished as the temperature of the UV LED rises
Data Source
AI summary
A phototherapy system for treating a user can include an applicator, a controller, and a communication cable configured to couple the applicator and the controller. The applicator can include a light source, a thermal sensor, and a fan. The controller can be in communication with the applicator. The controller can be configured to receive a predetermined treatment regimen to be applied to the user via the applicator. A method for treating skin presenting psoriasis includes providing a phototherapy system. The user can select a skin type on the controller. The use can place the applicator adjacent to the skin presenting psoriasis, eczema, or vitiligo. The user can receive a light therapy treatment from the applicator, whereby the psoriasis, eczema, or vitiligo has been treated.