UV Spreader and Collimator Layout for Uniform Skin Irradiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phototherapeutic systems struggle to deliver UV radiation uniformly to a subject's skin, leading to inconsistent vitamin D production and potential skin damage due to varying exposure levels.

Innovation Solution

A phototherapeutic system that includes a UV radiation source, filter, spreader, and collimator to deliver UV radiation uniformly by collimating, filtering, and spreading the radiation, ensuring consistent vitamin D production and minimizing erythema.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If UV radiation is delivered directly from a point source to the skin, then the radiation intensity is high, but the distribution uniformity is poor leading to inconsistent vitamin D production and potential skin damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV radiation intensityVSAvoidradiation distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the UV radiation delivery system by introducing a diffuser that divides the radiation from a point source into multiple scattered beams. This segmentation allows the radiation to cover a broader area more uniformly, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high intensity and achieving uniform distribution across the skin surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from direct point-to-skin radiation (one-dimensional delivery) to multi-directional radiation through the diffuser (adding spatial dimensions). The diffuser scatters radiation in multiple directions, creating a two-dimensional or three-dimensional distribution pattern that improves uniformity while maintaining adequate intensity across the treatment area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If UV radiation dosage is increased to enhance vitamin D production, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but the risk of erythema and skin damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevitamin D production efficiencyVSAvoiderythema risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using a diffuser to create spatially varying radiation patterns. Different regions of the skin receive optimized radiation doses tailored to local requirements, ensuring adequate vitamin D production in each area while preventing excessive dosage that would cause erythema. This localized control resolves the contradiction between therapeutic effectiveness and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a point source UV radiation system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the treatment coverage area is limited and uniformity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidtreatment coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a diffuser as an intermediary component between the point source and the skin. This intermediary element enables the system to maintain its simple point source architecture while achieving expanded treatment coverage and improved uniformity. The diffuser acts as a mediator that transforms the radiation pattern without requiring complex multi-source arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system achieves uniform UV radiation delivery across the skin surface, enhancing vitamin D production while reducing the risk of erythema, thereby improving user safety and efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

a collimator configured to increase collimation of UV radiation from the UV radiation source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation:

Implementation Method 2

a spreader configured to decrease collimation of UV radiation from the UV radiation source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

a filter configured to remove harmful wavelengths from UV radiation from the UV radiation source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS12544587B2Phototherapeutic systems including spreading and collimating features and related technology

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 SOLIUS LABS INC

AI summary

A phototherapeutic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology includes a housing at least partially defining an irradiation zone configured to accommodate at least a portion of a human subject. The system further comprises an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source configured to direct UV radiation along a radiation path extending from the radiation source to the irradiation zone. The radiation source includes a concentrated source at which UV radiation is generated, and a collimating reflector (or lens) configured to reflect (or refract) the UV radiation and thereby increase collimation of the UV radiation. The system still further comprises a filter, a spreader, and a collimator disposed successively farther downstream from the radiation source along the radiation path. The spreader and the collimator respectively decrease and increase collimation of the UV radiation before the UV radiation reaches the subject.