Patent Application
20240299765
The disclosures herein relate to light therapy devices. Specifically, the disclosed invention relates to a device and methods for delivering phototherapy. The devices and methods incorporate various wavelengths, frequencies, luminosities, and combinations thereof for supporting or improving a variety of health states and medical conditions.
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a device and methods for delivering light therapy.
Low-level laser light therapy (“LLLT”) was discovered in 1967 by Endre Mester at the Semmelweis Medical University in Hungary. Mester was trying to repeat an experiment using high powered lasers to cure tumors in rats. Despite failing to cure tumors with his low-powered laser, Mester observed improved hair growth and enhanced wound healing in the rats. This was the first indication that low-level laser light, rather than high power thermal lasers, could have beneficial applications.
It is now widely understood that devices utilizing light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”) to illuminate living tissue can be used to obtain beneficial biological effects. Accordingly, the term “LLLT” has been gradually replaced in the literature with the broader term “photobiomodulation” (“PBM”). As the health benefits of PBM have become more widely known, there has been a proliferation of both commercial and consumer PBM LED devices in the marketplace.
Due to limitations inherent in LED chip technology, however, existing devices are markedly limited in both the range of light wavelengths and functionality. Because skin and subcutaneous tissues manifest different absorption characteristics for light comprising wavelengths within the optical window, the literature has repeatedly shown that different wavelengths may be more (or less) applicable for different purposes. Additionally, the human brain, along with the nervous, and endocrine systems, responds in complex ways when exposed to varying light spectra throughout the 24-hour circadian wake-sleep cycle. Luminosity, time duration of exposure, duty cycle duration and interval times, combinations of wavelengths, delivery modalities, and other variations in how PBM therapies are delivered are also important.
Existing PBM devices, although able to deliver light therapy comprising limited combinations of wavelengths and pulse durations, lack the functionality to provide an expansive combination of wavelength spectra and pulse durations. Consequently, there is a need for PBM therapy delivery systems and devices that can deliver highly specific PBM therapies necessary to address the specific health needs of an individual user.
A light therapy device having functionality to deliver electromagnetic radiation in the infrared and near-infrared spectrum is disclosed herein.
Disclosed is a light therapy device comprising a case having an interior defined by at least one side and configured to mount a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) assemblies within the interior, wherein each LED assembly comprises a light source mounted on a printed circuit board, and a reflector; and at least one operating mode, wherein the at least one operating mode comprises emission of at least one spectra of electromagnetic radiation from a plurality of LED assemblies comprising a peak spectral wavelength between about six hundred nanometers (600 nm) and about one thousand nanometers (1,000 nm).
In some embodiments, fifty percent (50%) of the plurality of LED assemblies comprise a light source having a peak intensity wavelength of about 630 nm. In some embodiments, fifty percent (50%) of the plurality of LED assemblies comprise a light source having a peak intensity wavelength of about 660 nm. In some embodiments, fifty percent (50%) of the plurality of LED assemblies comprise a light source having a peak intensity wavelength of about 810 nm. In some embodiments, fifty percent (50%) of the plurality of LED assemblies comprise a light source having a peak intensity wavelength of about 850 nm. In some embodiments, fifty percent (50%) of the plurality of LED assemblies comprise a light source having a peak intensity wavelength of about 940 nm.
In some embodiments, the light therapy device further comprises a computing module having at least one software algorithm residing on a memory, wherein the at least one software algorithm causes the light therapy device to execute at least one operating mode.
In some embodiments, the at least one operating mode is executed in response to instructions received from a wireless remote handheld device having a user interface.
In some embodiments, the at least one operating mode comprises simultaneously powering equal numbers of the plurality of LED assemblies having a peak wavelength intensity of about 630 nm, the plurality of LED assemblies having a peak wavelength intensity of about 660 nm, the plurality of LED assemblies having a peak wavelength intensity of about 810 nm, and the plurality of LED assemblies having a peak wavelength intensity of about 850 nm.
In some embodiments, the at least one operating mode comprises simultaneously powering a plurality of LED assemblies having a peak wavelength intensity of about 630 nm, a plurality of LED assemblies having a peak wavelength intensity of about 810 nm, and a plurality of LED assemblies having a peak wavelength intensity of about 850 nm at a ratio of 2:1:1.
In some embodiments, the at least one operating mode comprises comprises simultaneously powering a plurality of LED assemblies having a peak wavelength intensity of about 630 nm, a plurality of LED assemblies having a peak wavelength intensity of about 660 nm, and a plurality of LED assemblies having a peak wavelength intensity of about 850 nm at a ratio of 1:1:2.
Disclosed is a light therapy device comprising a module having a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) assemblies arranged in a pattern forming an array, wherein the plurality of LED assemblies are mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB), a heat sink, a cooling fan, and a transformer electrically coupled to the PCB, wherein the transformer is configured to power the plurality of LED assemblies; and a case having an interior defined by at least one side and configured to mount a plurality of modules.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following more particular description of the invention and the accompanying drawing figures.
Various embodiments of a light therapy device and methods of use are disclosed herein. The light therapy device is configured to deliver customizable photobiomodulation therapy to meet specific therapeutic needs of an individual user. Various embodiments of the device, example components, configurations, applications, and methods of use are discussed. The example embodiments discussed herein are offered to illustrate example configurations and usages of the disclosed light therapy device. Additional examples and embodiments are possible within the scope of the disclosures herein.
As used herein, “light” means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength within a range from about 280 nanometers (“nm”) to about 3.000 nm. This range includes, but is not limited to, visible light. “Visible light” refers to electromagnetic radiation having a spectrum of wavelengths from about 380 nm to about 700 nm.
As used herein “red light” means visible light having a spectrum of wavelengths within a range of about 600 nm to about 700 nm.
As used herein, “infrared light” means electromagnetic radiation having spectrum of wavelengths in a range between about 1,000 nm and about 3,000 nm.
As used herein, “near infrared light” means electromagnetic radiation having spectrum of wavelengths in a range between about 700 nm and about 1,000 nm.
As used herein, “spectral radiation” means electromagnetic radiation comprising a pluarlity of wavelengths. The plurality of wavelengths may comprise different amplitudes (i.e., luminosity) from other wavelengths in the spectrum.
As used herein, “wavelength” means about the wavelength of a peak intensity of emitted electromagnetic radiation within a larger spectrum of emitted wavelengths (i.e., spectral radiation) from a source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) chip, for example.
Embodiments of the light therapy device disclosed herein are a configured to deliver PBM light therapy through use of different operating modes. Embodiments of the light therapy device include a plurality of LED assemblies housed in a case. Each LED assembly is formed from at least one LED light source mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) and a reflector. LED sources are semiconductor “chips” producing LED light of different spectra with constituent peak wavelengths. One or more LED sources are housed within a single reflector forming an LED assembly. In some embodiments, an LED assembly comprises two LED chips, each producing a distinct spectrum of red, near infrared (NIR), or infrared (IR) wavelengths distinct from the other LED source or sources housed by the reflector, within a spectral window.
The light therapy device can contain any number of LED assemblies in multiples of 4, in some embodiments. Some non-limiting examples include 36, 60, 72, 108, 120, 144, and 180 LED assemblies.
In some embodiments, the LED assemblies are organized into an LED array. As used herein, an array is a shape formed from a plurality of LED assemblies aligned into a repeating pattern on the PCB. In some embodiments, the array is formed by LED assemblies aligned diagonally, circularly, or in other repeating patterns.
In some embodiments, the LED assemblies are organized into modules. A module is a self-contained functional unit used in a light therapy device having a PCB boars, an LED assembly array, a cooling system, and a power supply, separate from other modules. A plurality of modules can be combined in any combination, depending on the dimensions and intended configuration of the light therapy device. For example, embodiments of the light therapy device may comprise exactly one, two, three, four, or more individual modules.
A module includes an array of LED assemblies mounted onto a printed circuit board (PCB). The module also includes a mechanism for removing heat, such as a heat sink and cooling fan, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the module includes one or more power transformers dedicated to power constituent components, such as LED assemblies and cooling fan(s) for example, of the module.
Modules are mounted into a case. In some embodiments, the case includes a base, a front, and one or more sides. A side may be configured to mount a user interface, power cord plug, mechanical power or other switches, and the like. Cases may be physically, electrically, and communicatively coupled together in any combination, in some embodiments.
A choice of operating modes allows the user to receive a treatment with one or more spectra by activating LED sources of specific spectra, combinations of spectra, cycle duration, and the like. In some embodiments, the light therapy device can be programmed to deliver a combination of one, two, or three of red, near-infrared, and infrared spectra, alone or in various combinations, depending on selected operating mode to achieve a therapeutic goal.
The presentation and discussion of the several drawing figures which follows will describe in detail various example embodiments contemplated by this disclosure.
Turning to the drawing figures,
In some embodiments, case 102 includes one or more threaded hanger bolts 114 configured to hand device 100 from a building structure wall, a door frame, or the like. In some embodiments, case 102 comprises a first surface feature (not shown) disposed on side 105 configured to interact with a second corresponding surface feature disposed on side 105 of a second device. In this fashion, multiple devices may be physically combined in a variety of sizes and dimensions to form a larger light therapy device for use in a specific building space.
Case 102 is configured to contain and mount one or more LED array modules 120 within an interior space bounded and defined by base 103, front 104, and side 105. Materials used to form case 102 include sheet steel, aluminum, and other suitable metals and metal alloys used in the manufacture of cases and cabinets for electrical devices. Heat-resistant plastics, such as used in automotive and aerospace applications, may also be used, such as Acetal (polyformaldehyde), Kynar® (polyvinylidene fluoride), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), for example. ABS and other plastics lacking heat and electrical resistance properties would not be suitable.
As shown in
Case 102 can take a variety of forms and configurations, including a panel, as shown in
In some embodiments (not shown), case 102 is formed from a flexible material, such as a soft plastic, a fabric, a textile, or the like. Use of the flexible material enables light therapy device 100 to be configured into a wearable article, such as a belt worn around the chest or abdomen next to the skin of a user. The wearable article may also be a garment, such as a shirt or vest. In these and some other embodiments, side 105 is formed from a strip of material coupled to front 104 and base 103. In some embodiments, side 105 is formed from an extension or reflection of material forming front 104 or base 103.
In the embodiments discussed herein, only one, single LED chip 110 of a single assembly 111 will receive power (“on”) at any time. For example, in an LED assembly 111 having a first LED chip 110 of one color and a second LED chip 110 of a second color, either color will be “on” and the other color “off,” or both colors will be “off,” according to the operating mode selected by the user. PCB board 112 is configured, in some embodiments, to power each individual LED chip 110, not each individual LED assembly 111, such powering an assembly 111 does not require that all of a plurality of LED chips 110 comprised by the assembly 111 be “on” or “off” at the same time.
In some embodiments, the two LED chips 110 per assembly 111 include two different colors alternating with adjoining assemblies 111 having LED chips 110 of two additional different colors; i.e., four different (distinct spectra with four different peak wavelengths-four colors disposed two colors at a time per assembly 111 across two adjoining assemblies 111) LED chip colors comprised by light therapy device 100. In some embodiments, there are an equal number of each color of LED chips 100 in a single light therapy device 100, although this is not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, there are unequal numbers of LED chips 110 of two, three, four, or more separate colors. In embodiments of light therapy device 100 having equal numbers of LED chip color types, the relative numbers of the different LED chip 110 types are expressed throughout the disclosures herein as percentages (i.e., 25% first color; 25% second color; 25% third color; and 25% fourth color) or ratios (i.e., 1:1:1:1). In some embodiments of light therapy device 100 having colors of LED chips 110 in unequal numbers, the relative numbers may be expressed to reflect the inequality; i.e., 25%; 25%; 0; 50% or 1:1:0:2, for example, and so on. The relative numbers of chip colors need not equal the number of LED assemblies 111 in embodiments having more than one color LED chip 110 per assembly 111.
A reflector 108 is coupled to LED chip 110. In some embodiments, a lens 109 (as
Lens 106 may or may not be included as a component of LED assembly 111, depending on the particular embodiment of light therapy device 100. Consequently, in some embodiments of light therapy device 100 having a mix of multiple LED chip spectra contained within LED array 107, any LED assembly 111 may not include lens 109. Some embodiments of light therapy device 100 will have a lens 109 coupled to all LED assemblies 111. In other non-limiting examples, one-half of the total number of LED assemblies 111 in an LED array 107 will include lens 109. In some embodiments, one-quarter of the total number of LED assemblies 111 in an LED array 107 will include lens 109. In some embodiments, every other LED assembly 111 in a horizontal row of LED array 107 will include lens 109. In some embodiments, every third LED assembly 111 in a horizontal row of LED array 107 will include lens 109. In some embodiments, every fourth LED assembly 111 in a horizontal row of LED array 107 will include lens 109. And so on.
In some embodiments of device 100 having a plurality of modules 120 and a corresponding plurality of cooling fans 121, a power source electrically separate from transformer 123 (driver providing power to LED chips 110 via PCB 112) is desirable. An example is a commercially available 12V DC cooling fan power supply such as used in desktop computers. One or more cooling fan power supplies are used depending on the number of modules 120 and the number of cooling fans 121 per module 120 used in light therapy device 120.
In some embodiments, module 120 includes a dedicated transformer 123 electrically coupled to PCB 112 to power the pluarlity of LED chips 110 on PCB 112. A commercially available LED driver, such as a 60 W, 22.5V LED driver, is one non-limiting example of transformer 123. In some embodiments, a plurality of cooling fans 121 cooling a single module 120 or a plurality of separate modules 120 are powered from the same power source separate from transformer 123.
Module 120 is a functional unit of light therapy device 100, in some embodiments. Embodiments of light therapy device 100 may include one or a plurality of modules 120. In some embodiments, device 100 includes exactly two (2) modules 120. In some embodiments, device 100 includes exactly four (4) modules 120. In some embodiments, device 100 includes exactly six (6) modules 120).
A plurality of modules 120 may be mounted generally co-planar to case 102, as shown in
Embodiments of light therapy device 100 may be configured to deliver different combinations of light spectra to the user, enabling delivery of many distinct therapies using a single device 100. The user may desire treatment using light within a NIR spectral band to derive a specific therapeutic benefit, and light from a visible red-light band to derive a different specific therapeutic benefit, for example. In some instances, the user may seek therapy with two different peak spectra of NIR radiation in the same therapy session. In some instances, the user may wish to incorporate red light of a shorter wavelength outside of the NIR spectrum with the NIR spectrum using a single device 100. In some embodiments, the user may wish to incorporate and IR spectrum with either or both of IR and red light spectra. Accordingly, some embodiments of light therapy device 100 are configured to deliver a selection of operating modes 126 to the user, based on the user's therapeutic needs.
Table 1 below details an example of the possible operating modes 126 in some embodiments of a light therapy device 100 having LED arrays 107 using different combinations of LED assemblies. The embodiments listed in Table 1 incorporate LED assemblies of four (4) example wavelengths: 630 nm; 660 nm; 810 nm; and 850 nm. In some embodiments, an LED chip 110 emitting a peak spectra centered at about 940 nm is substituted for the LED chip 110 peak spectra centered at about 850 nm listed in the table. Reasons for this and other substitutions, for example, include evidence that exposure to certain wavelengths of infrared light, including about 940 nm, immediately prior to use of a tanning bed or similar tanning enclosure may be partially protective against sunburn after subsequent exposure to ultraviolet light. The “Chip Wavelength” column in Table 1 lists the approximate peak spectral wavelength of peak intensity within the spectra generated by any given LED chip 110, and the “Percentage” column lists the percentage of total LED Assemblies 111 of device 100 that are illuminated during treatment with the listed operating mode.
In some embodiments, device 100 contains two LED chips 110 having different wavelength spectra per LED assembly 111 and is electronically configured to allow for eleven (11) distinct modes to be used. In some embodiments, device 100 contains two LED chips 110 colors per LED assembly 111 and is configured to allow for seven (7) distinct modes to be used. This is by example only. Additional combinations of chip wavelength spectra per LED array 107 are possible and multiple distinct modes are within the scope of the disclosed invention.
In some example embodiments, operating modes may include activation of one or more LED chips 110 having an output of at least about 1,000 milliwatts per nanometer (mW/nm) at about 630 nm and about 670 nm simultaneously from each LED chip 110.
As shown by
Although Table 1 and
In some embodiments, mode 126 is configured to vary a second parameter in addition to duration. In some embodiments, a second parameter is brightness of chip 100. In some embodiments, LED chips 110 having a same first wavelength are illuminated at a first brightness and LED chips 110 having a same second wavelength are illuminated at a second brightness. In some embodiments, additional parameters may be incorporated into operating mode 126. In some embodiments, programming different parameters, such as intensity and duration, in different combinations allows the use to simulate the changing solar spectra during sunrise and sunset. In this example, such therapy may aid the user in waking up in the morning. Alternatively, operating mode 126 may be set to help the user “wind down” at day's end, in some embodiment, promoting a more restful, healthy night's sleep. By varying the value of a first parameter, a second parameter, and so on, in different combinations, the user can enable a high level of light therapy customization from device 100.
A clearer understanding of different operating modes 126 outlined in
For example, in some embodiments, light therapy device 100 includes a computing module 110 (shown in
Some embodiments of device 100 include a computing module for processing control commands, along with monitoring the functionality of device 100. Additionally, a user interface is provided for controlling different aspects of the operation of light therapy device 100, regardless of whether the embodiment includes a computing module. The user interface enables the user to execute commands controlling power, operating mode 126, duration of therapy, time (of day) of therapy, and other functions. The user interface may take the form of a conventional mechanical power switch, a touch panel, a wireless control, or some combination of the above.
User interface 124, in some embodiments, is a touch-control panel mounted on case 102. The control panel may comprise mechanical switches, pressure switches, a touchscreen or other control interface elements. The user may access and select the various operating modes 126 directly from the user interface.
Processor 131, in some embodiments, is a commercially available microprocessor widely used in consumer electronic device control systems and known in the art. Processor 131 executes instructions received directly from user interface 134, according to software stored in memory 132, or from user interface 134 and memory 132 in combination. Memory 132 includes any combination of random access (cache) memory (RAM) and non-RAM “main” memory, in some embodiments.
In some embodiments, display 135 is physically located on the control panel or other user interface 133. Display 135, in some embodiments, shows the specific mode 126 selected by the user and executed by computing module 130. For example, the user may select “Mode 11” (as shown in Table 1 herein above) through user interface 133, whereupon display 135 will show “810 nm-850 nm.” Display 135 can take different forms depending on the embodiment of therapy device 100. In some embodiments, display 135 is a simple, conventional light-emitting diode (LED) or liquid crystal display (LCD) panel mounted on case 102. In some embodiments, display 135 is a computer monitor screen communicatively coupled to processor 131 by a wired or a wireless connection. In some embodiments, display 135 is a touchscreen on a smartphone or other handheld device. In some embodiments, display 135 is a handheld display and user interface 134 combined into a remote handheld device. Examples of a remote handheld device may include a remote control, smartphone, tablet, other handheld computing device, bearing an application or “app,” or the like. The handheld device may communicate with processor 131 via a wired connection or a wireless connection, in some embodiments. Non-limiting examples of a wireless connection include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi network, or the like.
In some embodiments, software stored on memory 132 comprises code controlling power supply to PCB 112 and LED chips 110 wherein some chips 110 receive power and other chips 110 are not powered. In some embodiments, chips 110 are powered on and off in a sequence according to the particular operating mode 126 selected by the user. In some embodiments, software stored on memory 132 includes one or more algorithms to direct the specific operating mode 126 selected by the user. Additional software may be installed on an additional memory, or “second memory” incorporated into a remote computing device to enable wireless communication with computing module 130 via Bluetooth or other wireless platform. In some embodiments, data on usage such as duration, frequency specific, and similar data specific to mode 126 used and cumulative user exposure to different light spectra resides. Data regarding cumulative exposure times and amounts is useful to protect user safety, in some embodiments.
In some embodiments, software code residing on memory 132 may exclude accessibility of certain modes 126 for user safety. The user may activate or de-activate the exclusion criteria via user interface 132, as desired. One example of such exclusion are one or more operating modes 126 containing entirely near infrared (“NIR”) light. A non-limiting example of this is (operating mode 126) “Mode 11” shown in Table 1 herein above. This and other safety features are desirable, in some embodiments, because repeated, high levels of exposure to infrared light has been shown to induce cataract-like changes in the lens of the eye of humans and other mammals.
The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purpose of illustration and example. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible, in light of the teachings herein above.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/337,165 entitled “Light Therapy Device.” filed on May 1, 2022, the enclosures of which are incorporated entirely by reference herein.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2022/050625 | 11/21/2022 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63337165 | May 2022 | US |
