Handheld Transillumination Light Source with Adjustable LED Wavelengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices for locating and visualizing veins and subcutaneous structures are inadequate for patients with less prominent veins, such as neonates, pediatric patients, obese individuals, and older adults, as they do not allow for the use of different wavelengths of light and intensity adjustment, making it difficult for clinicians to visualize these structures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A handheld transillumination light source with a housing containing a circuit board, LEDs of varying wavelengths (white and red), and a control button that allows clinicians to switch between different LED settings and adjust brightness intensity, enabling visualization of veins and other subcutaneous structures by directing light through translucent covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clinician uses traditional transillumination devices with fixed wavelength LEDs, then the device structure is simple, but the clinician cannot visualize different subcutaneous structures effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables dynamic switching between different LED wavelengths (red, green, blue) allowing the clinician to adapt the light source to different subcutaneous structures being examined. This dynamic wavelength selection resolves the contradiction by providing versatility without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The transillumination device incorporates multiple LED types with different wavelengths in a single unified device, making it universally applicable for visualizing various subcutaneous structures (veins, arteries, nerves) that absorb different wavelengths differently, rather than requiring separate single-wavelength devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If a clinician uses fixed intensity light source, then the device is simple to operate, but the clinician cannot optimize visualization for different patient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic intensity adjustment through a dimmer control that allows the clinician to vary the LED output brightness. This resolves the contradiction by enabling optimization for different patient conditions (neonates, pediatric patients, obese patients, older adults) while maintaining simple operation through an intuitive control interface
3Reliability
If a clinician examines patients with less prominent veins (neonates, pediatric patients, obese patients, older adults), then the medical need is addressed, but traditional transillumination methods fail to provide adequate visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the physical parameters of the light source (wavelength and intensity) to optimize visualization for different patient populations. By adjusting wavelength (red, green, blue LEDs) and intensity (dimmer control), the device reliably visualizes subcutaneous structures in challenging cases without requiring complex imaging systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses inexpensive LED components rather than expensive imaging systems, providing reliable visualization for difficult patient cases through simple, cost-effective light sources that can be easily replaced if needed
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 provides a portable, easy-to-manufacture solution that allows clinicians to effectively visualize veins and other subcutaneous structures by adjusting light wavelengths and intensity, improving visualization in challenging patient populations.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of upward facing LEDs are disposed on the circuit board. The upward facing LEDs are operationally connected to the LED driver and configured so as to direct illumination through the first translucent light cover. A plurality of forward facing LEDs are also disposed on the circuit board. The forward facing LEDs are operationally connected to the LED driver and configured so as to direct illumination through the second translucent light cover.
Implementation Method 2
The top longitudinal surface is generally opposite the bottom longitudinal surface and has a first translucent light cover. The front lateral surface is oriented generally perpendicular to the bottom longitudinal surface and has a second translucent light cover.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld and portable transillumination light source device allows for visualizing and locating vasculature and other subcutaneous structures of the body. One or more forward and upward facing LEDs are provided to project light out of a forward or upper surface of the device respectfully. The LEDs may vary as to the wavelengths of light the LEDs emit. A control button allows a user to switch the device between various modes of lighting, as well as, to adjust the intensity of the LEDs. Alternatively, these buttons may be split into separate power and intensity buttons. Touch sensors or a touch strip may also be provided to adjust the intensity of the LEDs.