Phototherapy Mask Reduces Light Leakage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phototherapy systems for conditions like hyperbilirubinemia suffer from significant light leakage, leading to wasted energy and potential discomfort or nausea in patients and caregivers, and require improvements in safety, ease of use, and hygiene, especially for infants.
Innovation Solution
A phototherapy system with a rigid support surface and embedded light sources, a mask to minimize light dispersion, and a cooling assembly, featuring LEDs that adjust intensity and distribution based on patient position, and incorporating thermochromic materials or fluid-filled pads to control light transmission and heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If phototherapeutic light is provided from above using an overhanging panel, then the patient receives adequate light exposure, but significant light leakage occurs causing wasted energy and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is divided into multiple segments with independent light sources, masks, and cooling assemblies. Each segment can be independently controlled to provide light only where needed, reducing overall light leakage while maintaining effective treatment areas.
Solution Approach 2:
A mask is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the environment. The mask selectively transmits light through specific portions of the support surface while blocking light in other areas, thereby reducing light leakage without compromising patient exposure.
2Illumination intensity
If phototherapeutic light is provided from below using an illuminated pad, then patient exposure is improved, but light dispersion increases causing extraneous light exposure
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the support surface have different light transmission properties. Areas beneath the patient allow light transmission for effective exposure, while peripheral areas block light to prevent dispersion. This local differentiation optimizes both exposure and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts light transmission based on patient position and treatment requirements. The mask can be repositioned or adjusted to change which portions of the support surface transmit light, optimizing the balance between exposure and dispersion control.
3Power
If high intensity phototherapeutic light is used to treat hyperbilirubinemia, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but heat generation increases requiring safety management
Solution Approach 1:
The light source and cooling assembly are merged into an integrated unit. The cooling assembly is positioned in direct thermal contact with the light source, allowing immediate heat dissipation. This combination enables high light intensity output while maintaining safe operating temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling assembly provides beforehand cushioning against heat generation. By pre-positioning the cooling mechanism in contact with the light source, the system prevents excessive temperature buildup before it becomes a safety issue, enabling sustained high-intensity operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a mask is added to limit light transmission through portions of the support surface, then light leakage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask serves multiple functions: it blocks light in specific areas to prevent leakage, it can be positioned to adapt to different patient sizes, and it integrates with the existing support surface structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask is implemented as a thin, flexible light-blocking element that can be easily positioned and adjusted. This simple form factor minimizes the structural complexity added to the system while effectively performing the light-blocking function.
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 effectively reduces light leakage, ensuring that phototherapeutic light is primarily absorbed by the patient while minimizing exposure to others, maintaining a safe and comfortable environment, and allowing for adjustable light intensity and distribution tailored to the patient's needs.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (such as, e.g., a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) disposed so as to transmit light through the support surface
Implementation Method 2
a mask adapted to permit light transmission from the light source through a first portion of the support surface and to limit light transmission from the light source through a second portion of the support surface
Implementation Method 3
The mask may include a thermochromic material
Implementation Method 4
a cooling assembly adapted to control heat within the system
Data Source
AI summary
A phototherapy system having a rigid support surface adapted to support a patient without substantial deformation; a light source disposed so as to transmit light through the support surface; and a mask adapted to permit light transmission from the light source through a first portion of the support surface and to limit light transmission from the light source through a second portion of the support surface.