Compact Phototherapy Apparatus with Light Guide Path and Observation Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phototherapy apparatuses are large, complex, and difficult to operate, while small, handy devices often limit treatment to far-infrared radiation and make it challenging to accurately irradiate affected areas with ultraviolet light.
Innovation Solution
A compact phototherapy apparatus with a housing containing an ultraviolet light source, featuring a light guide path, an irradiation window for targeted UV emission, and an observation window for precise treatment, along with ultraviolet reflection films and an optical filter to ensure safe and uniform UV illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large installation-type phototherapy apparatus is used to provide uniform broad-area irradiation, then the uniformity and broad coverage of light irradiation is improved, but the device size and installation space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light irradiation function into multiple independent light irradiation units (first and second light irradiation units), each capable of emitting light in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve broad-area uniform irradiation through coordinated operation of multiple smaller units rather than requiring a single large apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs light irradiation units that emit light in different spatial directions (first unit emits in first direction, second unit emits in second direction). By utilizing multiple dimensions of light emission, the system achieves comprehensive broad-area coverage that would require a much larger single-unit apparatus.
2Area of stationary object
If a small handy phototherapy apparatus is used to reduce installation space, then the device portability is improved, but the ability to accurately irradiate affected areas with ultraviolet light deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates imaging devices that capture images of the affected area, and a control device that processes these images to automatically control the light irradiation units. This feedback mechanism enables the small handy apparatus to accurately identify and irradiate the precise affected area, compensating for the reduced manual control precision that would normally accompany smaller device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual positioning and aiming mechanisms with an automated image-based control system. The imaging device captures the affected area, and the control device automatically determines the irradiation parameters, substituting mechanical precision requirements with automated optical and computational systems.
3Productivity
If the ultraviolet light source is positioned close to the affected part for effective treatment, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the visibility of the affected part deteriorates due to UV interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the ultraviolet light emission function from the imaging function into distinct components. The light irradiation units emit UV light for treatment while imaging devices capture images, allowing the system to maintain close proximity for effective treatment while preserving visibility through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic control of the imaging and irradiation processes. The imaging device can capture images at appropriate times (before, during, or after irradiation), and the control device coordinates these operations to maintain both treatment effectiveness and visibility as needed.
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
Enables precise, safe, and uniform ultraviolet light application to affected areas, reducing leakage and allowing operators to perform effective treatments while minimizing exposure to harmful wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide path formed in a housing of the phototherapy apparatus such that ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source passes through the light guide path
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet reflection film on an inner surface of an upper plate of the light guide path and another ultraviolet reflection film on an inner surface of a lower plate of the light guide path
Implementation Method 3
an optical filter disposed between the irradiation window and the ultraviolet light source for reducing the ultraviolet light having a wavelength range harmful to a skin
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
Figure 4(A)~4(C)
AI summary
Provided is a small and handy phototherapy apparatus that receives an ultraviolet light source in a housing, and is able to appropriately irradiate a patient with ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source while not irradiating an operator with the ultraviolet light. The phototherapy apparatus is characterized in that the housing has a light guide path through which the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source passes, a leading end of the light guide path has an irradiation window for emitting the ultraviolet light to the outside, and an observation window or windows are formed in at least one side surface of the light guide path near the irradiation window, whereby irradiation treatment while observing an affected part becomes possible, and irradiation of only the affected part with the ultraviolet light becomes possible without erroneously irradiating other parts with the ultraviolet light.