Compact UVB LED Therapy Device with Timer and Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light therapy methods for vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis require frequent clinic visits, involve potential health risks due to UV radiation exposure, and often necessitate drug administration, limiting accessibility and convenience for patients.
Innovation Solution
A compact UVB light therapy device with a casing containing an LED light source emitting 310 nm radiation, a detachable spacer, and a timer, allowing for frequent, lower-intensity treatments at home, featuring independent power supplies for UVB and visible LEDs, and a charging indicator system for user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If broadband UVB radiation (290-315 nm) is applied for phototherapy, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but harmful radiation exposure increases due to wavelengths below 290 nm causing erythema
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a narrowband LED light source that emits UVB radiation specifically at 311-312 nm, rather than broadband radiation. This localized wavelength selection provides therapeutic effectiveness while eliminating harmful wavelengths below 290 nm, thus resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and harmful radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameter of the radiation source from broadband (290-315 nm) to narrowband (311-312 nm). This parameter change maintains the therapeutic benefits of UVB radiation while removing the harmful components, directly addressing the contradiction between effective treatment and harmful exposure
2Area of stationary object
If PUVA therapy with UVA radiation (340-400 nm) is applied, then treatment coverage is improved, but safety decreases due to deep skin penetration and requirement for special ocular protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation wavelength parameter from UVA (340-400 nm) to narrowband UVB (311-312 nm). This parameter change provides effective treatment coverage while improving safety by avoiding the deep skin penetration and ocular protection requirements associated with UVA radiation
3Reliability
If high-intensity UV radiation is applied for effective treatment, then treatment efficacy is improved, but exposure time must be reduced to minimize harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters to narrowband UVB (311-312 nm), which allows for effective treatment with shorter exposure times compared to broadband UVB or UVA. The timer unit further optimizes exposure time control, resolving the contradiction between treatment efficacy and minimizing harmful exposure duration
4Object-affected harmful factors
If clinic-based phototherapy is used for proper UV radiation delivery, then treatment safety is improved, but accessibility decreases due to frequent visits required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by providing a portable phototherapy device that patients can use at home independently. The device includes built-in safety features such as a timer unit and narrowband LED light source, enabling safe self-administration of phototherapy without requiring frequent clinic visits, thus resolving the contradiction between treatment safety and patient accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex clinic-based mechanical and procedural system with a simplified portable device using LED technology. This substitution maintains treatment safety through controlled narrowband UVB emission while dramatically improving accessibility by eliminating the need for clinic visits
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, safe, and convenient treatment of vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis at home, reducing exposure risks and increasing treatment frequency with lower light concentrations, improving patient accessibility and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one LED light source connected to the power switch with a wire. The at least one LED light source is adapted to emit radiation at a wavelength of 310 nm
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A compact UVB light therapy device, containing an enclosed, combined light source, a serially connected power switch with a timer unit, and at least one light source –a LED emitting radiation of 310 nm in wavelength and 0.6-1 mW in optical power, connected to the timer, and a detachable spacer covering the light source is fixed in the vicinity of the light source.