Skin-Attached Phototherapy Device for Hands-Free Acne Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phototherapy devices for acne treatment require patients to actively hold the device in place, limiting their ability to engage in other activities and potentially reducing adherence and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A phototherapy device that attaches to the skin via a suction cup or adhesive pad, allowing for hands-free operation and enabling treatment on any area of the body without obstructing vision or requiring prolonged sitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the phototherapy device is held in place by the patient during treatment, then the device can be positioned correctly on the skin, but the patient's hands are occupied and other activities cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The device attaches itself to the skin through suction cup mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous manual holding. The suction cup creates a vacuum seal that secures the device in place automatically, allowing the device to maintain its own positioning without patient intervention throughout the treatment period.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup utilizes pneumatic principles by creating a vacuum seal through air evacuation. When the device is pressed against the skin, the flexible cup deforms and traps air, which is then evacuated to create negative pressure that holds the device firmly in place on contoured skin surfaces.
2Reliability
If the patient sits in front of a stand-mounted phototherapy device, then the device can provide treatment, but the patient cannot engage in other activities and must remain stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The phototherapy device is segmented into a handheld unit with integrated suction cup attachment. This portable design allows the device to be detached and reapplied to different body areas, enabling treatment of various locations without requiring fixed installation or patient immobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a stationary stand-mounted configuration to a mobile handheld format with suction attachment. This dimensional change from fixed to movable allows the patient to perform activities while the device remains attached and functional during treatment.
3Ease of operation
If a full-face phototherapy mask is used, then hands-free operation is achieved, but the user's vision is obstructed and other activities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a full-face mask that covers the entire face, the device uses a localized suction cup attachment at a specific position on the skin. This localized approach provides hands-free operation only where needed while leaving the rest of the face, particularly the eyes, completely unobstructed and functional.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to attach to contoured skin surfaces, then versatility of application locations is improved, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup is constructed from flexible material that can deform and conform to various skin contours and curvatures. This flexibility allows the rigid housing to adapt to contoured surfaces without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
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 allows for uninterrupted daily activities during treatment, improving adherence and effectiveness by minimizing behavioral changes required of the user.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes a suction cup that permits the device to attach to a variety of contoured skin surfaces
Implementation Method 2
A phototherapy device that attaches to the skin via a suction cup or adhesive pad
Implementation Method 3
A phototherapy device includes a light emitter that delivers light to the skin through an aperture in the pad
Data Source
AI summary
A phototherapy device, system, and method for treating acne and/or acne scarring, includes a light emitting device configured and arranged to emit light from a bottom surface thereof; and an attachment portion having an aperture therethrough configured to permit light through. The attachment portion is configured to retain the device to a user's skin and bathe the skin with phototherapeutic light from the light emitter. Attachment of the device may be preceded with the application of synergistic fluid, ointment, gel, cream, lotion, foam, soap, or other solutions which may or may not consist of known topical acne treatment agents, augment device attachment to the skin, and/or have photodynamic properties. The light emitted may be any wavelength, combinations of wavelengths, intensity, pulse frequency, and exposure duration.