Recessed LED Phototherapy Mask with Reflective Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing at-home light therapy devices for skin treatment are often one-size-fits-all, uncomfortable, and pose safety risks due to exposed LEDs and circuitry, lacking adjustability and proper eye protection, which limits their effectiveness and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A wearable, adjustable phototherapy system with recessed LEDs and reflective surfaces for improved light dispersion, integrated circuitry protection, and adjustable frames for secure, hands-free use, including eye protection features like goggles, to accommodate various user sizes and skin conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are disposed to maximize light communication to the patient, then light therapy effectiveness is improved, but the LEDs and circuitry become exposed and contactable by the patient, causing safety risks and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the LEDs within a recessed cavity formed by the first and second walls. The LEDs are positioned between the walls, with the second wall having apertures that allow light transmission while the walls themselves protect the LEDs and circuitry from direct contact. This nested structure resolves the contradiction by maintaining light effectiveness while eliminating exposure hazards.
2Illumination intensity
If the mask is disposed relatively close to the face to maximize light therapy, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the exposed circuitry and LEDs cause an intimidating and unpleasant experience
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed cavity formed by the first and second walls nests the LEDs and circuitry, creating a smooth outer surface that eliminates exposed components. This allows the mask to be positioned close to the face for effective light delivery while the enclosed structure prevents the intimidating appearance of exposed circuitry, thereby improving user comfort.
3Reliability
If the support and mounting assembly presses closely against the hair or scalp to secure the device, then device stability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible headband made of elastic material that can be adjusted to different sizes. This flexible shell provides secure attachment to the patient's head while conforming to the scalp's shape, distributing pressure evenly and avoiding the discomfort associated with rigid, pressing assemblies. The flexibility allows the device to maintain reliability without compromising comfort.
4Ease of operation
If the device is made lightweight and minimally supported, then ease of use is improved, but secure attachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic headband provides secure attachment through its material properties rather than through heavy construction. The flexibility and elasticity of the headband allow it to conform to the head and maintain secure attachment, while the overall device remains lightweight and easy to use. This resolves the contradiction by using material characteristics rather than mass to achieve reliability.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If separable patches are used to block light from the eyes, then eye protection is provided, but the patches must rest on the eye area which may cause discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates eye protection into the main mask structure through a nose bridge extension that blocks light from reaching the eyes. This dimensional integration incorporates the protective function into the existing mask geometry rather than adding separate patches that rest on the eyes. The solution provides eye protection while maintaining comfort by eliminating the need for additional eye-area components.
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 provides a comfortable, effective, and adaptable light therapy solution that maximizes light exposure while minimizing user discomfort and safety risks, allowing for customizable treatments based on skin type and condition.
Implementation Method 1
therapeutic for skin treatment against maladies such as acne, or are beneficial to inhibit skin aging. However, there is a need to provide users/patients with a convenient at-home light therapy delivery device
Implementation Method 2
The second wall comprises a reflective surface facing towards a patient and a plurality of light apertures substantially aligned with the LEDs on the first wall for communicating lamp radiation from the lamps to a user
Data Source
AI summary
Phototherapy systems comprising a therapeutic lamp platform for radiant lamps such as LEDs disposed in a holdable spot applicator assembly, the holdable spot applicator assembly including a reflective surface facing towards a patient and a plurality of LEDs for communicating lamp radiation from the lamps to a user. The lamps and associated circuitry are housed within a holdable elongated structure.