Sealed Radiation-Fluid Outlet for Breakage-Free Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguides, such as optical fiber, are prone to breakage and contamination, posing risks of injury and undesired consequences when delivering electromagnetic radiation to target sites.
Innovation Solution
A device and assembly that fluidly seals electromagnetic radiation and fluid inlets, allowing for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and fluid through a common outlet, and a system that includes a waveguide in radiant communication with a hollow member for non-contact delivery to target sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fiber is used to deliver electromagnetic radiation, then light radiation can be delivered topically and subcutaneously, but the optical fiber is subject to breakage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the electromagnetic radiation delivery path from the fluid delivery path. The housing contains distinct inlets for electromagnetic radiation and fluid, with internal structures that guide these separate streams to a common outlet without mixing, eliminating the need for a single integrated waveguide that is prone to breakage and contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure that receives both electromagnetic radiation and fluid through separate inlets, processes them independently through sealed internal pathways, and emits them through a common outlet. This intermediary housing protects the delivery system from breakage and contamination risks
2Device complexity
If a single waveguide is used for both electromagnetic radiation and fluid delivery, then the structure is simplified, but contamination and breakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the delivery system into separate pathways: one for electromagnetic radiation and one for fluid. The housing contains distinct inlets and internal routing structures that keep these pathways separate until they converge at the common outlet, maintaining simplicity while preventing contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges the electromagnetic radiation stream and fluid stream at a common outlet after they have been separately delivered through the housing. This combining occurs at the emission point, allowing simplified single-point delivery while maintaining the reliability benefits of separate sealed pathways throughout the delivery system
3Productivity
If optical fiber contacts the target site, then electromagnetic radiation can be delivered directly, but injury and undesired consequences may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow member acts as an intermediary between the device and the target site. It receives both electromagnetic radiation and fluid from the device through a common outlet and conveys them together to the target site. This intermediary approach allows direct target site contact while maintaining the integrity and safety of the delivery system
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes fluid dynamics to convey both electromagnetic radiation and fluid through the hollow member to the target site. The fluid stream helps protect the optical components from direct contact with the target site while maintaining delivery efficiency
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 safe and contamination-free delivery of electromagnetic radiation and fluid to target sites, reducing the risk of injury and maintaining the integrity of the delivery system.
Implementation Method 1
fluidly seal the first inlet from the second inlet
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide in radiant communication with the electromagnetic radiation source
Implementation Method 3
emit the electromagnetic radiation and fluid through a first outlet of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to devices, assemblies, systems and methods for targeting one or more sites with electromagnetic radiation. The devices, assemblies and systems are operationally configured to transform and convey electromagnetic radiation to one or more targeted sites. The devices, assemblies and systems may also convey one or more fluids or fluid solutions to the one or more targeted sites.