MEDICAL DEVICE FOR CURING LIQUID BANDAGE AND METHOD FOR CURING LIQUID BANDAGE USING SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments/implementations of the invention relate generally to a medical device for curing a liquid bandage and a method for curing a liquid bandage using the same.

BACKGROUND ART

A liquid bandage is a product used for healing and protection of small wounds.

Unlike a general bandage wound around the skin, the liquid bandage is a mixture of a volatile liquid and a polymer material and forms a film in which the polymer material remains through volatilization of the volatile liquid.

The liquid bandage protects a wound portion from external environments including dust and bacteria while maintaining moisture therein.

Typical liquid bandages include a liquid bandage that includes water as a solvent and polyvinylpyrrolidone as a polymer, a liquid bandage that includes alcohol as the solvent and pyroxylin, nitrocellulose, or methyl acrylate isobutene monoisopropylmaleate as the polymer, a liquid bandage that includes hexamethyldisiloxane or isooctane as the solvent and an acryl, cyanoacrylate or siloxane polymer as a main raw material, and the like.

The liquid bandage requires a predetermined period of time for curing after application to the wound portion. Further, the liquid bandage requires application of constant force to a portion around the wound in order to prevent the wound from being widened until the liquid bandage is completely cured. Further, such a typical liquid bandage is naturally cured and thus exhibits low bonding strength.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem

It is one aspect of the present disclosure to provide a medical device for curing a liquid bandage, which can reduce a period of time for curing a liquid bandage applied to a wound portion, and a method for curing a liquid bandage using the same.

It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a medical device for curing a liquid bandage, which allows both application of a liquid bandage and curing of the liquid bandage to be performed at the same time, and a method for curing a liquid bandage using the same.

Technical Solution

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a medical device for curing a liquid bandage, which includes: an input unit receiving a signal input from outside; and a light source including a diode emitting UV light for curing the liquid bandage in response to the signal input to the input unit.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for curing a liquid bandage, which includes: applying a liquid bandage; and curing the liquid bandage by irradiating the liquid bandage with UV light.

Advantageous Effects

The medical device and method for curing a liquid bandage according to embodiments can reduce a period of time for curing the liquid bandage. In addition, the medical device and method according to embodiments can reduce or omit a time for physical application of force to a wound portion through rapid curing of the liquid bandage.

Further, the medical device according to the embodiments allows both application of a liquid bandage and curing of the liquid bandage to be performed at the same time.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are views of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a view of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are views of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are views of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method for curing a liquid bandage according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of a method for curing a liquid bandage according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a method for curing a liquid bandage according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a view of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a graph depicting a relationship between red spot generation time and quantity of light applied to Skin type 2.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

BEST MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following embodiments are provided for complete disclosure and thorough understanding of the invention by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and may be embodied in different ways. In addition, widths, lengths, thicknesses, and the like of elements can be exaggerated for clarity and descriptive purposes. When an element or component is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or component, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or components may be present therebetween. In addition, spatially relative terms, such as “upper surface,” “lower surface,” “rear surface,” “front surface,” and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes and do not restrict a direction in which an element or component is formed. Like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the specification.

A medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an input unit receiving a signal input from outside; and a light source including a diode emitting UV light for curing the liquid bandage in response to the signal input to the input unit.

The medical device may further include a light quantity controller controlling quantity of light emitted from the light source, wherein the input unit sends a light quantity control signal received from outside to the light quantity controller.

The medical device may further include a data storage unit storing preset data for previously setting the quantity of light.

The medical device may further include a display unit displaying at least one of the quantity of light and the preset data.

The medical device may further include a timer controlling a curing duration for which the light source emits UV light for curing.

The medical device may further include a data storage unit storing preset data for previously setting the curing duration.

The medical device may further include a display unit displaying at least one of the curing duration and the preset data.

The light source may further include a diode emitting UV light for sterilization.

The medical device may further include a timer controlling at least one of a sterilization duration for which the light source emits UV light for sterilization and a curing duration for which the light source emits UV light for curing.

The medical device may further include a data storage unit storing preset data for previously setting at least one of the curing duration and the sterilization duration.

The medical device may further include a display unit displaying at least one of the curing duration, the sterilization duration, and the preset data.

The medical device may further include a sensor adapted to detect operation failure of the medical device.

The medical device may further include a display unit displaying a signal relating to the operation failure detected by the sensor.

The medical device may further include a liquid bandage storage unit storing the liquid bandage and a liquid bandage discharge unit discharging the liquid bandage from the liquid bandage storage unit.

The medical device may further include an antiseptic storage unit storing an antiseptic and an antiseptic discharge unit discharging the antiseptic from the antiseptic storage unit.

The medical device may further include: a skin determination unit determining a skin type to be irradiated with the UV light; a controller calculating quantity of UV light and a UV irradiation duration depending upon the skin type; a light quantity controller controlling quantity of UV light to be emitted from the light source depending upon the quantity of UV light calculated by the controller; and a timer controlling a duration for which the light source emits UV light depending upon the UV irradiation duration calculated by the controller.

The medical device may further include: a curing measurement unit measuring a degree of curing of the liquid bandage; and a display unit outputting a signal indicating completion of curing of the liquid bandage upon determining by the curing measurement unit that curing of the liquid bandage is completed.

A method for curing a liquid bandage using a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: applying a liquid bandage; and curing the liquid bandage by irradiating the liquid bandage with UV light.

The method may further include presetting quantity of UV light for curing the liquid bandage, before curing the liquid bandage.

In presetting quantity of UV light, the quantity of light may be preset depending upon a composition or an application area of the liquid bandage.

The method may further include presetting a curing duration for which UV light is emitted, before curing the liquid bandage.

The method may further include applying the antiseptic before application of the liquid bandage.

The method may further include irradiating a skin portion to which the liquid bandage is to be applied with UV light for sterilization, before application of the liquid bandage.

The method may further include determining a skin type to be irradiated with UV light; and calculating quantity of UV light and a UV irradiation duration depending upon the skin type, before curing the liquid bandage.

The curing the liquid bandage may further include: measuring a degree of curing of the liquid bandage; and outputting a signal indicating completion of curing of the liquid bandage if it is determined that curing of the liquid bandage is completed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are views of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a medical device 100 for curing a liquid bandage according to a first embodiment includes a light source 110 and an input unit 130.

The light source 110 emits UV light for curing a liquid bandage. The light source 110 includes a plurality of diodes 111 adapted to emit UV light for curing the liquid bandage. Here, the diodes 111 may be light emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes (LDs).

The input unit 130 acts as a switch connecting the light source 110 to a power supply unit (not shown). For example, when the input unit 130 receives a turn-on signal from outside, the input unit 130 electrically connects the light source 110 to the power supply unit. Then, the power supply unit supplies power to the light source 110 to emit UV light. In addition, when the input unit 130 receives a turn-off signal from outside, the input unit electrically disconnects the light source 110 from the power supply unit. Then, power supply from the power supply unit to the light source 110 is stopped and the light source 110 stops emission of UV light.

According to this embodiment, the power supply unit (not shown) may be disposed outside the medical device 100 or may be realized by a battery disposed inside the medical device 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the medical device 100 according to the first embodiment, the light source 110 is disposed at one end of a body 140 of the medical device 100 and the input unit 130 is disposed on an outer wall thereof. The input unit 130 is provided in the form of a button or a touchscreen. A portion of the input unit 130 may be exposed outside the body 140 and the other portion of the input unit 130 may be inserted into the body 140. The portion of the input unit 130 disposed inside the body 140 may be electrically connected to the light source 110. Thus, when a signal is input to the input unit 130 through the exposed portion thereof, the light source 110 receives power or is turned off.

Referring to FIG. 3, the medical device 100 includes a light guide 150 formed on the body 140. The light guide 150 is formed at one end of the body 140 at which the light source 110 is disposed. In addition, the light guide 150 is formed to surround a side surface of the light source 110.

The light guide 150 guides an irradiation direction of UV light emitted from the light source 110. As such, the light guide 150 enables the medical device 100 to emit UV light within a predetermined region.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the light guide 150 has a constant inner diameter, UV light is emitted within a range corresponding to the inner diameter of the light guide 150. If the inner diameter of the light guide 140 gradually increases with increasing distance between light guide 150 and the body 140, the UV irradiation range of the medical device 100 may also be increased.

According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the medical device 100 enables rapid curing of a liquid bandage on a target area by emitting UV light thereto. Accordingly, rapid curing of the liquid bandage enables reduction or omission of time for physical application of force to a wound portion.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, a medical device 200 for curing a liquid bandage according to a second embodiment includes a light source 110, a light quantity controller 210, and an input unit 130.

The input unit 130 receives a light quantity control signal from outside. The input unit 130 sends the received light quantity control signal to the light quantity controller 210.

The light quantity controller 210 regulates the quantity of UV light emitted from the light source 110. For example, the light quantity controller 210 may regulate the quantity of UV light by controlling the number of diodes 111 emitting UV light among a plurality of diodes 111. The light quantity controller 210 sends a light emission signal to at least one of the plural diodes 111 in response to the light quantity control signal received from the input unit 130. Then, only the diode 111 receiving the light emission signal sent from the light quantity controller 210 emits light. Accordingly, the quantity of light is regulated in response to the light quantity control signal input to the input unit 130. The quantity of UV light may be changed depending upon a composition of the liquid bandage or an applied area of the liquid bandage.

The medical device 200 according to the second embodiment has the same shape as the medical device shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Accordingly, a diagram of the medical device 200 according to the second embodiment is omitted herein and the medical device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

The medical device 200 according to the second embodiment includes the light source 110 and the light quantity controller 210 disposed inside a body 140 thereof. Although the light source 110 is disposed inside the body 140, a light emitting portion of the light source is exposed outside. The light quantity controller 210 is disposed inside the body 140 to be electrically connected to the input unit 130 and the light source 110.

A portion of the input unit 130 may be exposed outside the body 140 and the other portion of the input unit 130 may be inserted into the body 140. The portion of the input unit 130 disposed inside the body 140 may be electrically connected to the light quantity controller 210. Thus, a signal input through the exposed portion of the input unit 130 is sent to the light quantity controller 210 electrically connected thereto.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

In description of the medical device 300 for curing a liquid bandage according to the third embodiment, a repeated description of the same components as those of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

A light source 310 includes a plurality of first diodes 311 and at least one second diode 312. FIG. 5 shows that the light source 310 includes a plurality of second diodes 312. However, it should be understood that the light source 310 includes a single second diode 312. The plural first diodes 311 emit UV light for curing of a liquid bandage. In addition, the second diode 312 emits UV light for sterilization of a wound portion.

The light quantity controller 210 controls the quantity of light of at least one of the first diodes 311 and the second diode 312.

The light quantity controller 210 sends a light emission signal to one kind of diode selected from among the first diodes 311 and the second diode 312 in response to a signal received from the input unit 130. For example, when a sterilization function is selected through the input unit 130, the light quantity controller 210 sends a light emission signal to the second diode 312. In addition, when a curing function is selected through the input unit 130, the light quantity controller 210 sends the light emission signal to the first diodes 311.

Among the plurality of first diodes 311, a predetermined number of first diodes 311 is selected to emit light according to the light quantity control signal sent from the input unit 130. In addition, when a plurality of second diodes 312 is provided, a predetermined number of second diodes 312 is selected to emit light according to the light quantity control signal sent from the input unit 130.

In this embodiment, the light quantity controller 210 controls the quantity of light emitted from the light source 310 in response to a signal received from the input unit 130. However, the medical device 300 may store preset data such that the light quantity controller 210 can control the quantity of light emitted from the light source 310 according to the preset data.

Hereinafter, the first diode 311 and the second diode 312 of the light source 310 will not be separately illustrated in description of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage. However, it should be understood that the diode of the light source may be the first diodes 311 or a combination of the first diode 311 and the second diode 312. Alternatively, a light source including the first diodes 311 and a light source including the second diodes 312 may be separately formed.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and FIG. 7 is a view of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In description of the medical device 400 for curing a liquid bandage according to the fourth embodiment, a repeated description of the same components as those of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the first to third embodiments will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 6, the medical device 400 according to the fourth embodiment includes a light source 110, a light quantity controller 210, a timer 410, an input unit 130, and a display unit 420.

The timer 410 regulates a curing duration for which the light source 110 emits UV light. The timer 410 receives a time control signal sent from the input unit 130. The timer 410 sends a stop signal to the light quantity controller 210 when a predetermined period of time corresponding to the signal control signal elapses. In response to the stop signal sent from the timer 410, the light quantity controller 210 stops a light emission signal being sent to the diode 111 or sends a light emission stop signal to the diode 111. Here, transmission of the light emission signal from the light quantity controller 210 to the diode may be realized by power supply to the diode 111. Further, stop of the light emission signal or transmission of the light emission stop signal from the light quantity controller 210 to the diode 111 may be realized by stopping power supply to the diode 111.

In this embodiment, the light source 110 including the diode 111 adapted to emit UV light for curing is illustrated by way of example. However, it should be understood that the light source 310 (see FIG. 5) according to the third embodiment may be used instead of the light source 110. The light source 310 (see FIG. 5) according to the third embodiment includes the first diodes 311 (see FIG. 5) for curing and the second diode 312 (see FIG. 5) for sterilization. Here, the timer 410 is capable of regulating not only the curing duration but also a sterilization duration for which the light source emits UV light.

The input unit 130 receives control signals sent from the timer 410 and the light quantity controller 210. The input unit 130 generates a light quantity control signal and a time control signal in response to the received signals. The input unit 130 sends the light quantity control signal to the light quantity controller 210 and sends the time control signal to the timer 410.

The display unit 420 displays information on the signals input from the input unit 130 such that input of the signals can be confirmed from outside.

In this embodiment, the timer 410 is illustrated as controlling a UV emission duration of the light source 110 in response to the signals sent from the input unit 130. However, it should be understood that the timer 410 may control the UV emission duration of the light source 110 according to preset data previously stored in the medical device 400. Here, in the structure wherein the light source 110 includes the first diode 311 (see FIG. 5) and the second diode 312 (see FIG. 5), the timer 410 may control the UV emission duration of at least one of the first diode and the second diode.

Referring to FIG. 7, in the medical device 100 for curing a liquid bandage, the light source 110, the light quantity controller 210 and the timer 410 are disposed inside the body 140, and the input unit 130 and the display unit 420 are formed on the outer surface of the body 140. Further, the body 140 is formed at one end thereof with a light guide 150. The light guide 150 may be omitted according to selection of those skilled in the art.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In description of the medical device 500 for curing a liquid bandage according to the fifth embodiment, a repeated description of the same components as those of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8, the medical device 500 according to the fifth embodiment includes an input unit 130, a display unit 420, a light source 110, a light quantity controller 210, a timer 410, and a data storage unit 510.

The data storage unit 510 stores preset data relating to a UV curing duration and the quantity of UV light. The preset data includes time data for setting UV curing duration and light quantity data for setting the quantity of UV light. The input unit 130 may select at least one of the time data and the light quantity data previously stored in the data storage unit 510.

For example, when certain time data is selected among the time data previously stored in the data storage unit 510 through the input unit 130, the data storage unit 510 sends a time setting signal corresponding to the selected time data to the timer 410. In addition, when certain light quantity data is selected among the light quantity data previously stored in the data storage unit 510 through the input unit 130, the data storage unit 510 sends a light quantity setting signal corresponding to the selected light quantity data the light quantity controller 210.

The time data and the light quantity data selected through the input unit 130 are displayed on the display unit 420.

In the medical device 500 according to the fifth embodiment, the data storage unit 510 is disposed inside the body 140 (see FIG. 7). Accordingly, the medical device 500 has the same outer surface as that shown in FIG. 7.

The data storage unit 510, the light quantity controller 210 and the timer 410 may be formed on a single circuit board. Alternatively, the data storage unit 510, the light quantity controller 210 and the timer 410 may be individually formed on different circuit boards and disposed inside the body 140 (see FIG. 7).

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are views of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In description of the medical device 600 for curing a liquid bandage according to the sixth embodiment, a repeated description of the same components as those of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the first to fifth embodiments will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 9, the medical device 600 according to the sixth embodiment includes an input unit 130, a display unit 420, a light source 110, a light quantity controller 210, a timer 410, a data storage unit 510, a liquid bandage storage unit 610, and a liquid bandage discharge unit 620.

The liquid bandage storage unit 610 stores a liquid bandage. The liquid bandage serves to suture a wound portion or to protect the wound portion from an external environment. The liquid bandage may be applied in a liquid state to the wound portion and then cured to suture or cover the wound portion.

The liquid bandage discharge unit 620 receives a liquid bandage discharge start signal and a liquid bandage discharge stop signal from the input unit 130. The liquid bandage discharge unit 620 discharges the liquid bandage from the liquid bandage storage unit 610 in response to the liquid bandage discharge start signal. In addition, the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 stops discharge of the liquid bandage in response to the liquid bandage discharge stop signal.

In this way, when the liquid bandage is discharged from the liquid bandage storage unit, the light source 110 emits UV light to the liquid bandage on the wound portion to cure the liquid bandage.

Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, in the medical device 100 according to the sixth embodiment, the liquid bandage storage unit 610 and the light source 110 are disposed inside the body 140. Further, the light guide 150 and the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 are disposed outside the body 140.

In FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, other components including the input unit 130, the display unit 420, the light quantity controller 210, the timer 410 and the data storage unit 510 are not shown for convenience of understanding.

Referring to FIG. 10, in the medical device 100 for curing a liquid bandage, the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 is formed at one end of the body 140 and the light source 110 is formed at the other end of the body 140.

The liquid bandage discharge unit 620 is electrically or physically connected to the input unit 130 to open or close the liquid bandage storage unit 610 in response to a signal from the input unit 130. As a result, the liquid bandage may be discharged from the liquid bandage storage unit 610 or discharge of the liquid bandage therefrom may be stopped. Alternatively, the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 may not be electrically or physically connected to the input unit 130. That is, even in the structure wherein the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 is not electrically or physically connected to the input unit 130, the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 may be opened or closed by external force. For example, the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 may be opened or closed by a lid 630 shown in FIG. 10 to allow or stop discharge of the liquid bandage.

Referring to FIG. 11, in the medical device 100 for curing a liquid bandage, the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 and the light source 110 are formed at one end of the body 140 to face in the same direction. Accordingly, the medical device according to this embodiment can cure the liquid bandage applied to a wound portion while applying the liquid bandage to the wound portion using the liquid bandage discharge unit 620. That is, application and curing of the liquid bandage can be performed at the same time.

In the seventh embodiment, the liquid bandage is illustrated as being stored in a liquid state in the liquid bandage storage unit 610. Alternatively, the liquid bandage storage unit 610 may store individually packaged disposable liquid bandages therein. The individually packaged disposable liquid bandages may be inserted into the liquid bandage storage unit 610 and then a package of a liquid bandage is individually unpacked to allow the liquid bandage to be discharged through the liquid bandage discharge unit 620. The package of the liquid bandage may be unpacked inside the liquid bandage storage unit 610 or the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 to be discharged therefrom by various methods known in the art, for example, physical compression, cutting with a sharp component, and the like.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are views of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

In description of the medical device 700 for curing a liquid bandage according to the seventh embodiment, a repeated description of the same components as those of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the first to sixth embodiments will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 12, the medical device 700 according to the seventh embodiment includes an input unit 130, a display unit 420, a light source 110, a light quantity controller 210, a timer 410, a data storage unit 510, a liquid bandage storage unit 610, a liquid bandage discharge unit 620, an antiseptic storage unit 710, and an antiseptic discharge unit 720.

The antiseptic storage unit 710 stores an antiseptic. The antiseptic serves to disinfect a wound portion before discharge of the liquid bandage.

The antiseptic discharge unit 720 receives an antiseptic discharge start signal and an antiseptic discharge stop signal from the input unit 130. The antiseptic discharge unit 720 discharges the antiseptic from the antiseptic storage unit 710 in response to the antiseptic discharge start signal. In addition, the antiseptic discharge unit 720 stops discharge of the antiseptic in response to the antiseptic discharge stop signal.

In the seventh embodiment, the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 and the antiseptic discharge unit 720 are illustrated as being operated in response to the signals from the input unit 130. However, it should be understood that the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 and the antiseptic discharge unit 720 are not necessarily operated by the signal from the input unit 130. The liquid bandage discharge unit 620 and the antiseptic discharge unit 720 may be realized by inlets for discharging the liquid bandage and the antiseptic and may be opened or closed by external force.

Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, in the medical device 700 according to the seventh embodiment, the liquid bandage storage unit 610, the light source 110 and the antiseptic storage unit 710 are disposed inside the body 140. Other components of the medical device according to this embodiment are not shown.

Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, in the medical device 700, the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 and the light source 110 are formed at one end of the body 140 to face in the same direction. In addition, the antiseptic discharge unit 720 is formed at the other end of the body 140. It should be understood that the locations of the liquid bandage discharge unit 620, the light source 110 and the antiseptic discharge unit 720 according to this embodiment are not limited thereto and may be changed by selection of those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 13, the antiseptic discharge unit 720 is electrically or physically connected to the input unit 130 to open or close the antiseptic storage unit 710 in response to a signal from the input unit 130. As a result, the antiseptic may be discharged from the antiseptic storage unit 710 or discharge of the antiseptic therefrom may be stopped. For example, the antiseptic discharge unit 720 may discharge the antiseptic to the outside in response to a signal sent from the input unit 130.

Alternatively, the antiseptic discharge unit 720 may not be electrically or physically connected to the input unit 130. A separate lid may be provided to the antiseptic discharge unit 720 to open or close the antiseptic discharge unit 720 to allow or stop discharge of the antiseptic.

Referring to FIG. 14, the antiseptic discharge unit 720 has a brush shape. The antiseptic discharge unit 720 having a brush shape is connected to the antiseptic storage unit 710 such that the antiseptic flows through the brush to be discharged to the outside. The antiseptic discharge unit 720 may have a ball shape as well as the brush shape. In this way, the antiseptic discharge unit 720 may have any structure enabling discharge of the antiseptic.

In the embodiments described above, signals related to operation of all components of the medical device such as the quantity of light, the time, discharge of the liquid bandage, discharge of the antiseptic, and the like are illustrated as being input through a single input unit 130. However, it should be understood that the input unit 130 may be provided in plural such that each of the input units receives a signal for operation of one or more components.

In addition, the medical device 700 for curing a liquid bandage according to embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the first to seventh embodiments. That is, the medical device 700 may include at least one of the timer 410, the data storage unit 510, the liquid bandage storage unit 610, the liquid bandage discharge unit 620, the antiseptic storage unit 710 and the antiseptic discharge unit 720 according to selection of those skilled in the art.

Further, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the display unit 420 is illustrated as displaying the quantity of light, the curing duration, preset data, and the like. However, information displayed on the display unit 420 is not limited thereto. For example, the medical device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one sensor (not shown) adapted to detect operation failure. The sensor can detect operation failure of all components constituting the medical device for curing a liquid bandage. The sensor sends a signal regarding the detected operation failure to the display unit 420. The sensor for detecting operation failure of the components constituting the medical device for curing a liquid bandage may be included in the medical devices for curing a liquid bandage according to the above embodiments.

The display unit 420 may display various data including operation failure according to the components constituting the medical device.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method for curing a liquid bandage according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of the method for curing a liquid bandage using the medical device 100 for curing a liquid bandage according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, a liquid bandage is applied to a wound portion (S110).

The liquid bandage is applied to the wound portion using a device separate from the medical device for curing a liquid bandage. Alternatively, the liquid bandage may be stored in the medical device. The medical device may apply the liquid bandage stored therein to the wound portion.

The liquid bandage is cured by irradiating the liquid bandage with UV light (S120).

The medical device emits UV light to the liquid bandage when the input unit receives a signal from outside. The liquid bandage is irradiated with UV light and rapidly cured thereby.

Since the liquid bandage has a liquid phase, the liquid bandage naturally requires a predetermined period of time so as to be sufficiently cured to suture or seal a wound portion. In addition, since the liquid bandage having the liquid phase has low bonding strength before curing, it is necessary to apply constant force to a portion near the wound in order to prevent the wound from widening. However, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by irradiating the liquid bandage with UV light, the duration of curing the liquid bandage can be reduced.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of a method for curing a liquid bandage according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of the method for curing a liquid bandage using the medical device 100 for curing a liquid bandage according to the second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, a liquid bandage is applied to a wound portion (S210).

The quantity of light for curing the liquid bandage is set (S2210).

The quantity of light for curing the liquid bandage may be set depending upon a material to which the liquid bandage is applied or an applied area of the liquid bandage. Here, the medical device may receive a signal related to the quantity of light for curing the liquid bandage through the input unit.

The liquid bandage is cured by irradiating the liquid bandage with UV light (S230)

The medical device emits UV light to the liquid bandage applied to the wound portion. Here, the medical device emits UV light to the liquid bandage corresponding to the quantity of light set in the previous step.

The liquid bandage is cured from a liquid phase to a solid phase upon irradiation with UV light.

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a method for curing a liquid bandage according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of the method for curing a liquid bandage using the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the seventh embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, an antiseptic is applied to a wound portion (S310).

The medical device for curing a liquid bandage may include an antiseptic storage unit storing the antiseptic therein. The medical device may apply the antiseptic stored in the antiseptic storage unit to the wound portion.

The wound portion is sterilized by irradiating the wound portion with UV light (S320).

The medical device may emit UV light not only for curing the liquid bandage but also for sterilization. The medical device may sterilize the wound portion by irradiating the wound portion with UV light.

In this way, the method includes the sterilizing step and the disinfecting step to prevent infection through the wound portion.

The sequence of the sterilizing step and the disinfecting step may be changed according to selection of those skilled in the art. In addition, at least one of the sterilizing step and the disinfecting step may be omitted.

A liquid bandage is applied to the wound portion (S330).

The quantity of light for curing the liquid bandage is set (S340).

First, UV light for curing the liquid bandage is selected on the medical device for curing a liquid bandage. Then, the quantity of light to be emitted from the medical device for curing the liquid bandage may be set depending upon a material to which the liquid bandage is applied or an applied area of the liquid bandage. The quantity of light for curing the liquid bandage may be set through the input unit of the medical device.

A duration for curing the liquid bandage is set (S350).

A duration for which UV light for curing the liquid bandage is emitted to the liquid bandage is set. Accordingly, the medical device emits UV light for curing the liquid bandage only for the preset duration and stops emission of UV light after the preset duration elapses. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid bandage from being excessively cured and to reduce power consumption.

In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the quantity of light and the duration for curing the liquid bandage are set by way of example. However, the medical device for curing a liquid bandage may store preset data related to the quantity of light and the duration for curing the liquid bandage. Accordingly, the quantity of light and the duration for curing the liquid bandage may be set by selecting one of light quantity data and time data stored in the medical device for curing a liquid bandage.

The sequence of the step of selecting the quantity of light and the step of selecting the duration for curing the liquid bandage may be changed. In addition, the step of selecting the duration for curing the liquid bandage may be omitted according to selection of those skilled in the art.

The liquid bandage is cured by irradiating the liquid bandage with UV light (S360).

The medical device emits UV light to the liquid bandage applied to the wound portion. Here, the medical device emits UV light to the liquid bandage for the preset duration corresponding to the quantity of light set in the previous step.

FIG. 18 is a view of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In description of the medical device 800 for curing a liquid bandage according to the eighth embodiment, a repeated description of the same components as those of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the above embodiments will be omitted. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 18, the components of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the above embodiments may also be applied to the medical device 800 for curing a liquid bandage according to the eighth embodiment in various ways.

Referring to FIG. 18, in the medical device 800 for curing a liquid bandage, the body 140 is formed with a light guide 810. The light guide 810 is formed at one end of the body 140 at which the light source 110 is disposed. The light guide 810 is formed to surround a side surface of the light source 110.

The light guide 810 guides an irradiation direction of UV light emitted from the light source 110. Referring to FIG. 18, an inner diameter of the light guide 810 gradually decreases with increasing distance from the body 140. Accordingly, UV light emitted from the light source 110 is emitted in a small region defined by the light guide 810. As such, the medical device 800 for curing a liquid bandage may be configured to allow a portion covered with the liquid bandage to be intensively irradiated with UV light while preventing a normal skin portion around the liquid bandage from being irradiated with UV light.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In description of the medical device 900 for curing a liquid bandage according to the ninth embodiment, a repeated description of the same components as those of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the above embodiments will be omitted. For the omitted description of the same components, refer to the description of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the above embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 19, the medical device 900 includes an input unit 130, a light source 110, a cleaning unit 910, a skin determination unit 920, a controller 940, a data storage unit 930, a light quantity controller 210, a timer 410, a liquid bandage discharge unit 620, and a liquid bandage storage unit 610.

The cleaning unit 910 cleans the skin in a predetermined range so as to prevent foreign matter or contaminants from remaining on the skin. For example, the cleaning unit 910 may store a cleaning liquid such as water therein to spray the cleaning water outside the medical device 900 in response to a signal sent from the input unit 130. Alternatively, the cleaning unit 910 may spray air outside the medical device 900 in response to a signal sent from the input unit 130. The medical device 900 may remove foreign matter or contaminants from the skin by spraying the cleaning liquid or air toward the skin.

The skin determination unit 920 determines a skin type of normal skin. The skin determination unit 920 determines whether the skin has a bright color or a dark color by determining the skin type of normal skin. Specifically, the skin determination unit 920 may measure a degree of brightness of the normal skin. The skin determination unit 920 determines the skin type of a portion of the skin cleaned by the cleaning unit 910. That is, since determination on the skin type is performed on the portion of the skin cleaned by the cleaning unit 910, it is possible to achieve accurate determination as to the skin type.

The skin type may be classified into a plurality of types depending upon skin color. Generally, the skin type is classified into Skin type 1 corresponding to a white color, Skin type 2 corresponding to a beige color, Skin type 3 corresponding to a bright brown color, Skin type 4 corresponding to a medium brown color, and Skin type 5 corresponding to a dark brown color and a black color.

The data storage unit 930 stores data regarding a UV irradiation duration corresponding to the quantity of UV light for each skin type. That is, the data storage unit 930 stores duration data for UV irradiation without damaging the skin when the skin is irradiated with a certain quantity of UV light. In addition, the data storage unit 930 stores duration data for UV irradiation for each skin type.

The controller 940 compares the skin type determined by the skin determination unit 920 and the data stored in the data storage unit 930. Further, based on the result of comparison, the controller 940 calculates the quantity of UV light and the duration for UV irradiation without damaging the skin.

FIG. 20 is a graph depicting a relationship between red spot generation time and quantity of light applied to Skin type 2. As shown in FIG. 20, even for the same skin type, a red spot generation time is changed depending upon the quantity of light incident on the skin. In addition, since the degree of light absorption by the skin is different depending upon the skin color, the red spot generation time can be changed depending upon the skin type even with the same quantity of light. Here, the red spot generation time becomes a standard for the maximum duration for UV irradiation. The data storage unit 930 may store the red spot generation time or the maximum duration for UV irradiation depending upon the quantity of light for each skin type, as shown in FIG. 20. Here, the red spot generation time is provided by way of example to illustrate the duration for UV irradiation causing damage to the skin and the data controller 940 does not necessarily store data of the red spot generation. The data controller 940 may store data regarding the quantity of light and the UV irradiation duration causing other type damage to the skin by UV light.

The controller 940 sends a light quantity control signal corresponding to the calculated quantity of UV light to the light quantity controller 210. In addition, the controller 940 sends a time control signal corresponding to the calculated UV irradiation duration to the timer 410.

The light quantity controller 210 controls the quantity of light emitted from the light source 110 by controlling the light source 110 in response to the light quantity control signal.

Further, the timer 410 controls a duration for which the light source 110 emits UV light in response to the time control signal. The timer 410 may send a signal indicating a UV emission start time or a UV emission termination time to the light quantity controller 210. The light quantity controller 210 may control start or termination of UV emission of the light source 110 in response to the signal sent from the timer 410.

The liquid bandage storage unit 610 stores a liquid bandage. In addition, the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 discharges the liquid bandage from the liquid bandage storage unit 610. Although the medical device 900 according to this embodiment includes the liquid bandage storage unit 610 and the liquid bandage discharge unit 620, these components may be omitted. That is, a liquid bandage may be applied to a wound portion by a separate device and the medical device 900 may cure the liquid bandage applied to the wound portion.

The medical device 900 according to this embodiment automatically regulates the quantity of UV light and the UV irradiation duration corresponding to the skin type of a user. Accordingly, the medical device 900 can prevent normal skin of the user from being damaged by UV light by curing the liquid bandage covering the wound portion with UV light in consideration of the skin type of the user.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In description of the medical device 1000 for curing a liquid bandage according to the tenth embodiment, a repeated description of the same components as those of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the above embodiments will be omitted. For the omitted description of the same components, refer to the description of the medical device for curing a liquid bandage according to the above embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 21, the medical device 1000 according to this embodiment includes an input unit 130, a light source 110, a liquid bandage discharge unit 620, a liquid bandage storage unit 610, a curing measurement unit 1010, and a display unit 420. Here, the liquid bandage discharge unit 620 and the liquid bandage storage unit 610 may be omitted.

The curing measurement unit 1010 measures the degree of curing of a liquid bandage covering a wound portion to determine whether the liquid bandage is cured.

The degree of light scattering on a material depends upon the phase of the material having a gas phase, a liquid phase or a sold phase. The curing measurement unit 1010 may measure the quantity of light reflected from the liquid bandage to determine the degree of curing of the liquid bandage. The curing measurement unit 1010 compares the quantity of reflected light measured thereby with a preset curing completion reference value to determine whether the liquid bandage is cured or not. Here, the curing measurement unit 1010 may measure the quantity of UV light emitted from the light source 110 and reflected from the liquid bandage. Alternatively, the curing measurement unit 1010 may include a separate light source to determine whether the liquid bandage is cured.

The curing measurement unit 1010 sends a curing completion signal to the display unit 420 when the measured degree of curing of the liquid bandage falls within a preset range.

In response to the curing completion signal from the curing measurement unit 1010, the display unit 420 outputs a signal corresponding thereto. The display unit 420 may visibly output the signal corresponding to curing completion using visible light or text or may audibly output the signal using an alarm sound or the like. When the signal corresponding to corresponding to curing completion is output from the display unit 420, a user may move the medical device to another portion of the non-cured liquid bandage to cure the liquid bandage.

The medical device 1000 according to this embodiment determines whether the liquid bandage is cured and informs a user of the determination result, thereby preventing the skin of the user from being irradiated with UV light for an unnecessary period of time. Further, when the liquid bandage is applied to the skin over a broad range, an uncured portion of the liquid bandage may be cured through UV irradiation using the medical device 1000. Accordingly, even when the liquid bandage is applied to the skin in a broad range, the entirety of the liquid bandage can be uniformly cured with efficiency.

Although not shown in the drawing, the medical device 1000 for curing a liquid bandage according to this embodiment may further include a cleaning unit 910, a skin determination unit 920, and a data storage unit 930. As a result, the medical device 1000 may allow the liquid bandage to be cured through UV irradiation with the quantity of UV light for a period of time not causing damage to the normal skin.

The medical devices for curing a liquid bandage according to various embodiments of the present disclosure include the input unit and the light source disposed on the body. In addition, each of the medical devices described above may include at least one of the light source, the light guide, the light quantity controller, the timer, the display unit, the data storage unit, the liquid bandage storage unit, the liquid bandage discharge unit, the antiseptic storage unit, the antiseptic discharge unit, the sensor, the cleaning unit, the skin determination unit, the controller, and the curing measurement unit. That is, the medical devices for curing a liquid bandage may include a combination of the above components. Further, the medical devices for curing a liquid bandage may perform various operations in association with these components therein.

Although some embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood that these embodiments are provided for illustration only and are not to be construed in any way as limiting the present disclosure, and that various modifications, changes, alterations, and equivalent embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
10-2016-0160835	Nov 2016	KR	national
10-2017-0159974	Nov 2017	KR	national

MEDICAL DEVICE FOR CURING LIQUID BANDAGE AND METHOD FOR CURING LIQUID BANDAGE USING SAME

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