Side-scattering light guide for uniform laser distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light therapy devices using lasers require skilled practitioners and are not user-friendly, as they often employ high-class lasers that are not accessible to ordinary individuals due to safety and training requirements.
Innovation Solution
A light therapy apparatus featuring a class II, III, or IV laser diode that produces light equivalent to a class I laser output, integrated with a control system for periodic activation and a side-scattering light guide for uniform light distribution, allowing for user-friendly operation without specialized training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-class lasers (class III or IV) are used in light therapy devices, then light therapy effectiveness is improved, but safety and accessibility deteriorate due to requiring skilled practitioners
Solution Approach 1:
A class I laser is introduced as an intermediary device that produces light equivalent to class III or IV lasers through the use of optical amplifiers or resonant cavities. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve high therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining safety standards for consumer use, eliminating the need for skilled practitioners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a class I laser with enhanced optical components rather than directly using high-power class III or IV lasers. This parameter change maintains the necessary light intensity for effective therapy while reducing the safety risks associated with high-power lasers, thereby improving user accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If class I laser with equivalent output is used, then safety and user-friendliness are improved, but device complexity increases due to control systems and optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The control system employs periodic activation of the class I laser diode, switching it on and off at controlled intervals. This periodic action simplifies the control requirements compared to continuous operation of high-power lasers, reduces heat management complexity, and maintains therapeutic effectiveness through pulsed light delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex safety and control mechanisms from the laser source itself and places them in a separate control system. This allows the laser diode to remain a simple, safe class I device while the external control system handles the complexity of periodic activation and light output regulation.
3Illumination intensity
If side-scattering light guide is used, then uniform light distribution is improved, but light guide structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is designed with side-scattering properties distributed along its length, creating local light emission points at regular intervals. This local quality approach ensures uniform light distribution across the treatment area without requiring a complex three-dimensional structure, as each segment of the light guide contributes to the overall uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structure is segmented into multiple sections along its length, with each section designed to scatter light laterally. This segmentation creates a series of discrete light emission zones that collectively provide uniform illumination, simplifying the overall design compared to attempting to achieve uniformity through a single complex optical element.
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 and user-friendly light therapy applications, including wound healing and tissue stimulation, without the need for skilled practitioners, by utilizing a control system for periodic laser activation and a side-scattering light guide for consistent light delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a side scattering light guide mounted between the first layer and the second layer... the side scattering light guide extends from at least one of the first end or the second end in a sinusoidal shape or an inward extending circular spiral
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first layer or the second layer is translucent
Data Source
AI summary
A light therapy apparatus includes a pad comprising at least a first layer and a second layer and a side scattering light guide mounted between the first layer and the second layer and having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end extend in parallel with each other externally from the pad, the side scattering light guide extends from at least one of the first end or the second end in a sinusoidal shape or an inward extending circular spiral between the first layer and the second layer, and at least one of the first layer or the second layer is translucent.