Scanning Laser Device with Universal Carriage for Wide-Area Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser therapy devices for hair restoration and other treatments face challenges such as mechanical complexity, high costs due to numerous laser diodes, discomfort from wearing helmets, limited treatment areas, and the need for extensive hand-held device usage, which can lead to fatigue and uneven hair growth.
Innovation Solution
A scanning laser device with a universal carriage and optical element that creates a large circular beam spot, allowing for efficient low-level laser therapy application over a wide area without manual motion or multiple light sources, using a rod lens or prism to sweep the laser beam across the skin in a 360° circle, and controlled by electronic or computerized systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotating helmet with laser diodes is used for hair restoration, then the scalp can be fully illuminated during rotation, but the mechanical requirements become complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating helmet system with a stationary scanning laser device. Instead of mechanically rotating a helmet containing multiple laser diodes, the invention uses a single laser source combined with scanning mirrors to sweep the beam across the scalp, eliminating complex mechanical requirements while maintaining full treatment area coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning laser device serves multiple functions: it can treat different areas of the scalp by adjusting scan parameters, accommodate various treatment protocols, and provide both hair restoration and other laser therapy applications from a single unified system, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices
2Area of stationary object
If a large number of laser diodes are used to illuminate the entire scalp without rotation, then the treatment area is fully covered, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using many laser diodes simultaneously, the patent segments the treatment into temporal sequences - a single laser beam is scanned across different regions of the scalp over time. The scanning mirrors divide the treatment area into multiple zones that are sequentially illuminated, replacing the need for multiple parallel light sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces scanning mirrors as intermediary components that redirect and sweep the laser beam across the treatment area. These mirrors act as mediators between the single laser source and the entire scalp surface, enabling full coverage without requiring multiple laser diodes
3Measurement precision
If a hand-held laser is used for extended treatment periods, then treatment precision can be maintained, but the user's arm gets tired and precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning laser device performs self-positioning and self-sweeping functions automatically. The scanning mirrors and control systems handle the beam steering and positioning tasks that would otherwise require continuous manual adjustment, freeing the user from physical strain while maintaining treatment precision throughout extended periods
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 effective treatment of large areas with minimal therapist effort, reducing fatigue and improving precision, while allowing for multiple therapy regimens without the need for extensive hand movement or multiple laser sources, enhancing hair restoration and other treatments like liposuction and pain relief.
Implementation Method 1
A scanning laser device with a universal carriage and optical element that creates a large circular beam spot, allowing for efficient low-level laser therapy application over a wide area without manual motion or multiple light sources, using a rod lens or prism to sweep the laser beam across the skin in a 360° circle
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention is a scanning laser device with a universal carriage that holds any type of optical element. The carriage rotates about an axis that is substantially co-axial to the incident laser beam, thereby causing the laser energy passing through the optical element to sweep through a 360° circle. The preferred embodiment uses a rod lens as the optical element, resulting in a large circular beam spot. The device may utilize laser sources of various wavelengths and pulse frequencies, and multiple devices may be combined to scan an even larger area.