Segmented Skin Irradiation Device for Photosensitivity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photosensitivity test devices are cumbersome, making it difficult to perform accurate tests on young children, elderly patients, and those with mobility issues, leading to inaccurate results and increased burden on both doctors and patients, and are not practical for use in small clinics due to their bulkiness and limited portability.
Innovation Solution
A test device with multiple light irradiation units that output light beams with varying wavelengths and intensities simultaneously, allowing for multiple stages of ultraviolet irradiation in a compact design that can be placed in intimate contact with the skin, reducing the need for large irradiation devices and enabling accurate and safe testing in various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large sized irradiation device with a porous plate is used for photosensitivity testing, then multiple irradiation levels can be provided, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to operate on young children, elderly patients, and those with mobility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the skin surface into multiple discrete irradiation spots (first, second, and third spots) with different areas, allowing selective irradiation of specific regions. This segmentation enables the device to adapt to different patient groups and body parts without requiring a large porous plate, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional variation in spot size (large, medium, small spots) to provide multiple irradiation levels. Instead of using a large porous plate with numerous holes, the device creates different irradiation intensities by varying the spatial dimension (spot area) of the light source, thereby reducing device bulkiness while maintaining the capability to test multiple patient groups.
2Measurement precision
If the subject remains still during irradiation to maintain constant distance, then accurate test results can be obtained, but it becomes impossible to test young children, elderly people, and patients with difficulty maintaining posture
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the irradiation function into multiple fixed spots on the skin surface. By defining specific irradiation locations (first, second, third spots) with predetermined areas and positions, the device eliminates the need for the patient to maintain a constant posture. The segmented approach ensures that even if the patient moves slightly, the light source remains aligned with the designated spots, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling testing of mobile patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-aligning with the patient's skin surface through the fixed spot configuration. The light source automatically irradiates the correct spots without requiring precise manual positioning or patient cooperation to maintain posture. This self-service mechanism ensures accurate test results even when testing young children, elderly people, or patients with mobility issues who cannot maintain a steady position.
3Productivity
If a compact device with multiple light irradiation units is used, then simultaneous multi-stage irradiation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light irradiation units (first, second, and third light sources) into a single integrated device that can simultaneously provide large, medium, and small irradiation spots. By combining these units in one housing with a unified control system, the device achieves simultaneous multi-stage irradiation for increased productivity while minimizing the overall structural complexity compared to using separate devices for each irradiation level.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple irradiation levels are provided using a porous plate, then comprehensive testing is possible, but the device becomes bulky and cannot be installed in small facilities like ambulatory clinics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dimensional variation in spot size (large, medium, small) to provide multiple irradiation levels without requiring a large porous plate. By manipulating the spatial dimension of the light source area rather than expanding the device footprint, the system achieves comprehensive testing capability in a compact form factor suitable for installation in small facilities like ambulatory clinics and ordinary clinics.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides different irradiation intensities by varying the local quality (spot area) of the light source rather than using a uniform large plate. The first, second, and third light irradiation units create localized irradiation zones of different sizes, enabling comprehensive testing across multiple intensity levels while keeping the overall device volume small and suitable for compact clinical environments.
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 reduces the burden on doctors and patients by allowing for simultaneous irradiation at multiple stages and wavelengths, enhancing test accuracy and safety, and can be used in smaller facilities, facilitating more efficient and practical photosensitivity testing.
Implementation Method 1
multiple light irradiation units that output light beams with varying wavelengths and intensities simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A test device is used to test photosensitivity of a skin. The test device is provided with an irradiation unit including a plurality of light irradiation units arranged in a first direction. The plurality of light irradiation units output, in a second direction intersecting the first direction, irradiation light beams that mutually differ at least in one of wavelength characteristics and intensity. The irradiation unit is configured such that intensities of the irradiation light beams output from the plurality of light irradiation units are progressively smaller in the first direction.