Segmented Irradiation Device for Photodynamic Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current photodynamic therapy (PDT) devices for treating cervical conditions, such as those caused by HPV, are inefficient and cumbersome, requiring patients to remain still for extended periods connected to external light sources, limiting their use and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained irradiation device with a two-part housing, featuring an LED lamp system and power source, designed for insertion into the body orifice, allowing independent operation without external power or light sources, and manufactured using separable housing parts to simplify production and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-piece housing is used to enclose the power source and LED lamp system, then the device provides complete sealing and protection, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and requires manual assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separable parts: a first housing part with a chamber for the power source and a second housing part for the LED lamp system. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured separately using automated injection molding, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining complete sealing when assembled together through a coupling mechanism.
2Device complexity
If the housing is molded as a single piece enclosing all components, then the device structure is simplified, but manufacturing time and costs increase due to manual assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the housing into two separable parts that can be manufactured independently through automated injection molding, the manufacturing efficiency improves significantly. The first housing part and second housing part are produced using standard automated processes and then assembled together, eliminating the need for complex manual assembly of single-piece molded housings.
3Volume of moving object
If external light sources and power supplies are used during PDT treatment, then the device can be compact, but the patient must remain connected to external equipment for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the power source and LED lamp system into a single self-contained unit that can be inserted into the body orifice. This combination eliminates the need for external light sources and power supplies during treatment, allowing patients to remain comfortable and mobile while receiving PDT therapy.
4Ease of operation
If a self-contained device with integrated power source and LED system is used, then patient comfort and mobility are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The self-contained device is segmented into two separable housing parts that can be manufactured independently using automated injection molding. The first housing part contains the power source and the second housing part contains the LED lamp system, allowing for simplified manufacturing while maintaining the self-contained design that improves patient comfort and mobility.
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 device provides effective PDT with reduced manual labor costs and manufacturing time, enabling patients to receive treatment comfortably and conveniently, with low mean irradiance for prolonged periods, enhancing treatment efficacy and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The device comprises a housing moulded from a resilient material and adapted to be fully inserted and secured in an orifice, the housing enclosing an LED lamp system and a power source for powering the LED lamp system
Implementation Method 2
When illuminated, i.e. excited by light, at a suitable wavelength the photosensitiser or 'PDT drug' reacts with tissue oxygen to form oxygen radicals that interact with cellular organelles including the mitochondria and cell membranes. These interactions cause cell necrosis or apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
Figure 9~11
AI summary
An irradiation device for insertion into an orifice of the body to provide photodynamic therapy comprises: a housing moulded from a resilient material and adapted to be fully inserted and secured in the orifice, the housing enclosing an LED lamp system 22 and a power source 41 for powering the LED lamp system 22; wherein the device is independently operational while located in the orifice; characterised in that: the housing comprises a first housing part 2 for holding the power source 41 and a second housing part 4 for holding the LED lamp system 22, the first and second housing parts 2, 4 being separable and being preferably formed separately from the LED lamp system 22; and in that the first housing part 2 consists of a chamber 6 for holding the power source 41 and an opening 26 into the chamber 6 is provided through a resilient opening part 8, wherein the chamber 6 is closed when the first housing part 2 is joined to the second housing part 4.