Skin Irradiation Control Device with Spectral Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tanning devices fail to accurately measure and control actinic radiation exposure on different parts of the human body, leading to potential skin irritation or damage due to uneven sensitivity and skin type variations, especially when users select inappropriate tanning times and doses without proper guidance.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures skin status and color using a combination of LEDs emitting defined spectral radiation, a diffuser, and a sensor to determine the applicable actinic irradiation dose, allowing for precise control of actinic radiation sources to direct varying intensities and durations onto different body parts based on individual skin conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed irradiation dose is used for all users, then the device is simple to operate, but users with different skin types may experience skin damage or insufficient tanning
Solution Approach 1:
The device measures skin properties at different locations (face, body) and applies different irradiation doses to different body parts based on their specific skin characteristics. This local differentiation ensures that each area receives appropriate radiation exposure tailored to its skin type, preventing both damage and insufficient tanning while maintaining ease of use through automated measurement and control.
2Measurement precision
If the device measures skin status at multiple points, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The skin status measurement device is segmented into multiple independent measurement units, each capable of measuring skin properties at specific locations (face, body). Each segment contains its own light source, sensor, and processing capability. This segmentation allows parallel measurement at different points without requiring a single complex system, improving measurement precision while keeping individual modules relatively simple and modular.
3Ease of operation
If users can manually select irradiation time, then the ease of operation improves, but the risk of skin damage increases due to lack of professional guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The device continuously monitors skin status during irradiation and provides real-time feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts irradiation parameters (intensity, duration) to prevent exceeding safe dose limits. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual time selection while maintaining ease of use, as the device autonomously manages the irradiation process to prevent skin damage.
4Device complexity
If different body parts are irradiated with the same intensity, then the device structure is simplified, but skin damage occurs due to varying skin sensitivity across different areas
Solution Approach 1:
The irradiation system is divided into multiple independently controllable irradiation zones corresponding to different body parts (face, upper body, lower body). Each zone can be controlled at different intensities based on the specific skin characteristics measured at that location. This local quality approach allows tailored irradiation intensities for sensitive areas like the face versus more resilient areas like the legs, preventing skin damage while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular zone control.
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
This solution ensures safe and effective tanning by preventing excessive radiation exposure, reducing the risk of erythema and skin damage by accurately tailoring actinic radiation doses and times to individual skin types and areas, thereby enhancing user safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
at least one means (201) for emitting radiation having a defined spectral composition onto the skin (cutis)
Implementation Method 2
at least one means (205) for diffusing the radiation, emitted by the radiation emission means (201), between the radiation emission means (201) and the human's skin (cutis)
Implementation Method 3
at least one sensor (202) for measuring the portion of the radiation irradiated by the radiation emission means (201) which is reflected by the skin (cutis)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (200) and a process for a measurement of the status and/or color, as far as relevant for determining the applicable actinic irradiation dose, of the skin of a human on his/her skin (cutis), comprising, housed in a rigid housing (200 a), (a) at least one means (201) for emitting radiation having a defined spectral composition onto the skin (cutis); (b) at least one sensor (202) for measuring the portion of the radiation irradiated by the radiation-emission means (201) which is reflected by the skin (cutis); and (c) at least means (212) for providing energy to the at least one emission means (201) and/or to the at least one sensor (202) and for transmitting measured data to a data analyzing means (203); said device further comprising (d) in said housing (200 a): at least one means (205) for diffusing the radiation, emitted by the radiation emission means (201), between the radiation emission means (201) and the human's skin (cutis); (e) in said housing (200 a): at least one means (206) capable of fixing the position of said at least one radiation emission means (201), said at least one sensor (202) and said at least one radiation diffusion means (205) relative to each other; and (f) at least one flat and rigid surface area (207) capable of allowing the passage of the radiation emitted from said at least one radiation emission means (201) out of said housing (200 a) to the human's skin (cutis) and of the radiation reflected from the human's skin (cutis) into said housing (200 a) to the at least one sensor (202). The invention also relates to an actinic radiation-irradiating apparatus (100) comprising the above device 200.