Self-adhesive Phototherapy Device for Ambulatory Skin Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phototherapy treatments for skin conditions like acne and psoriasis are limited by the need for patients to visit hospitals or dermatology centers, making treatment inaccessible to those unable to attend and inconvenient for working individuals.
Innovation Solution
A self-adhesive, ambulatory phototherapy treatment device equipped with LED light sources, a battery, and control electronics, allowing for portable and convenient treatment of various skin conditions without the need for external power or controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If patients visit hospitals or dermatology centers for phototherapy treatment, then treatment can be provided with professional equipment, but treatment becomes inaccessible to those unable to attend and inconvenient for working individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The phototherapy device is designed to be self-contained with built-in battery and control electronics, allowing patients to perform treatment independently at home without requiring professional clinic visits or external power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular components including a handheld treatment unit with integrated power source and control systems, separating the treatment function from the clinic environment and enabling portable use
2Reliability
If patients attend outpatient treatment centers regularly, then they can receive necessary phototherapy, but it causes severe disruption to their work and daily life
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to perform phototherapy treatment during their own time schedules rather than requiring clinic appointments, allowing treatment to be conducted during breaks or evenings without disrupting work commitments
3Ease of operation
If a self-adhesive ambulatory device is designed, then treatment portability is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of battery and control electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates the light source, battery, and control electronics into a single unified handheld unit, combining multiple functions into one portable device that eliminates the need for separate external power sources and control systems
4Ease of operation
If a double-sided self-adhesive layer is used to attach the device to patient skin, then hands are left free during treatment, but the adhesive layer must be substantially transparent to phototherapy light
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is formulated with specific optical properties (substantially transparent to phototherapy wavelengths) and physical properties (adequate adhesion strength), adjusting material parameters to simultaneously satisfy both bonding and light transmission requirements
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 enables effective treatment of skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and non-melanoma skin cancer, as well as cosmetic treatments, while being lightweight and easy to use, allowing patients to receive treatment anywhere, including at home or work.
Implementation Method 1
a double-sided self-adhesive layer which is capable of attaching itself to a patient to be treated, the self-adhesive layer being substantially transparent to wavelength of light used for the phototherapy treatment
Implementation Method 2
the treatment head comprising of a light source, a battery and control electronics
Implementation Method 3
for use in therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatments wherein the device comprises: a double-sided self-adhesive layer which is capable of attaching itself to a patient to be treated
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatments is provided herein. For example, a self-adhesive ambulatory phototherapy treatment device comprises a double-sided self-adhesive layer which is capable of attaching itself to a patient to be treated, the self-adhesive layer being substantially transparent to wavelength of light used for the phototherapy treatment and wherein the self-adhesive ambulatory phototherapy treatment device includes a treatment head comprising of a light source, a battery and control electronics.