JP2015163240A - Formation of substrate pattern - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light-emitting device with a light source, which enables a medical device to adapt to and/or be located along a large number of different directions.SOLUTION: A light-emitting device 200 includes a flexible substrate 210 that is made from a flexible PCB or a flexible dielectric and that can also be loaded with a conductive trace, and a set of substantially-parallel long cut lines 214 and a set of short cut lines 216, which integrally form "L"-shaped cut lines in the flexible substrate 210. A fracture member 220 of the flexible substrate 210 can be bent by deviating a horizontal plane.

Description

  The present invention relates to a light emitting device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a light emitting device that can fit and / or follow a non-planar surface of a patient's body surface.

  Conventional light sources are typically rigid structures and not flexible. In addition, these types of conventional light sources include electronic equipment, which further increases the rigidity of the light sources. It has been found that a conventional light source that actually bends tends to break (or be disconnected from the electronic device) when bent beyond a certain angle. Thus, in applications where a flat light source is required to be along an adjacent surface, the lack of such deflection limits the degree of conformability.

  In addition, although some prior art light sources exist, these types of light sources only allow a certain amount of flexibility in one direction and allow in two directions. Flexibility is not allowed. This is sufficient for illuminating a narrow surface, but not for a wider surface that may have multidirectional contours at different points. Therefore, there is a need for a light emitting surface that is highly flexible and can be bent in different directions at different points on the light emitting surface.

  Light can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases. When light is used alone to treat a disease, the treatment is called phototherapy. Light may be used in combination with pharmaceuticals, in which case the treatment is referred to as photodynamic therapy.

  Phototherapy and photodynamic therapy can be used to treat various skin and internal diseases. In photodynamic therapy, a photosensitive therapeutic agent, known as a photopharmaceutical, is supplied to the area of the body to be treated from outside or inside. The area is then exposed to light of a frequency and brightness suitable for activating the photopharmaceutical. Various photopharmaceuticals are currently available. For example, topical agents such as 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (Crawford Pharmaceutical) or methylaminolevulinic acid (Metfix ™, Photocure). In many cases, the drug is used in an inactive form that is metabolized to a light sensitive photopharmaceutical.

  In photodynamic therapy, the primary technique for delivering light to a photopharmaceutical is to project light of a suitable wavelength from a stand-alone light source such as a laser or a filtered arc lamp. These light sources are cumbersome and expensive and are therefore only suitable for use in hospitals. This results in inconvenience for the patient and high cost for treatment. High light irradiance is required to treat an acceptable number of patients per day (because the treatment is cost effective) and not to be too inconvenient to the patient.

  In order to achieve an effective photodynamic or phototherapy treatment, it is important that the area to be treated must be illuminated equally. This ensures that a consistent light dose is administered across the treatment area. Another prior art light source that is flexible consists of individual illuminators that are point light sources. These point light sources may be light emitting diodes embedded in a substrate that exhibits some degree of flexibility. These light sources are not inherently suitable for homogeneous illumination of the treatment surface due to the point-like nature of the illumination. Furthermore, the nature of the embedded type of these light sources means that if these lighting devices are bent or bent, the uniformity of illumination is even more due to the redirection and relocation of the individual point light sources. It means to decline.

  An object of at least one aspect of the present invention is to obviate or reduce at least one or more of the problems discussed above.

  Yet another object of at least one aspect of the present invention is to provide a light emitting device comprising a light source, wherein the medical device can adapt and / or follow a number of different directions. .

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment,
At least one substrate;
At least one light source disposed on the substrate;
At least first and second fragile areas on at least one substrate,
The first and second weakened areas have substantially different directions, and the light emitting device is provided with a light emitting device that can conform to and / or follow a non-planar surface. Yes.
Thus, the device is a medical light-emitting device that can be used for various therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatments.

  In particular, the light-emitting device can thus be adapted and / or aligned with a non-planar surface and / or around a non-planar surface. The lighting device could bend, deflect and / or follow a non-planar, substantially non-planar and / or curved surface. Two or more or a plurality of vulnerable areas may be provided.

  Typically, the first and second fragile zones are bifurcated with respect to each other, for example, about 10-170 °, about 20-160 °, about 30-150 °, about 40-140 ° between them. , About 50-130 °, about 60-120 °, about 70-110 °, about 80-100 °, or about 90 °. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second fragile zones may have an angle of about 90 degrees between them and thus may be substantially orthogonal to each other.

  In certain embodiments, a single substrate is provided with a series of weakened areas. The series of weakened areas may comprise a series of substantially vertical and substantially horizontal weakened areas (i.e., the substantially vertical weakened areas run substantially up and down the substrate, A horizontal fragile zone may run across the board from side to side). The substantially vertical weakened area may be a series of consecutive weakened areas spaced on the x-axis, and the substantially horizontal weakened area is a series of spaced on the y-axis. It may be a discontinuous fragile area.

  Typically, a series or plurality of substantially vertical weakened areas, substantially extending the full length of the substrate but having portions left unweakened A vertical weakened area can be provided. Substantially vertical weak areas may be continuous. By leaving the small length of the substrate unfragile, it provides structural strength sufficient to remain integral with the substrate. Similarly, a series or plurality of discontinuous substantially horizontal weakened areas, for example, substantially horizontal weakened areas that intersect and extend through the substantially vertical weakened area. An area can be established. The substantially horizontal weakened area can be shorter than the substantially vertical weakened area.

  A series or plurality of substantially horizontal fragile areas that intersect and extend through the substantially vertical fragile area are at least a portion or substantially the entire length of the substantially vertical fragile area. It may be provided along the length.

  Typically, a plurality of substantially vertical weakened areas may be provided that extend from one side of the substrate to the opposite side. The plurality of substantially vertical weakened areas may be substantially parallel to each other. Therefore, the plurality of substrates do not need to be connected.

  Typically, a plurality of substantially horizontal weakened areas can be provided that extend from one side of the substrate to the opposite side. A single row may be provided with at least one or more, or a plurality of inter-distributed substantially horizontal weakened areas. A plurality of substantially horizontal fragile areas in a single row are thus in a state where the plurality of substantially horizontal fragile areas intersect and extend through the substantially vertical fragile areas. A discontinuous “bar line” -like pattern is formed. Multiple rows of substantially horizontal fragile areas, each in the form of a “bar” -like pattern, may be provided. Multiple rows of substantially horizontal vulnerable areas may have alternating rows of the substantially horizontal vulnerable areas, i.e. if there are vulnerable areas in a row. Then in the next column, this is a non-fragile zone.

  The fragile area can be a thinner area on the substrate, a perforated area, a partially folded area, or a cut area. The cut extends from one side of the substrate to the other side, and thus a plurality of slits may be formed in the substrate.

  The fragile areas may be arranged in a manner that facilitates and allows deflection.

  The material forming the substrate is flexible and can itself bend, flex and / or follow. For example, a flexible material such as a thermoplastic elastomer polymer (eg, a flexible polymeric material) may be used. The substrate can therefore be folded in multiple directions at the same time.

  The thickness of the substrate may be sufficient to provide support to at least one light source, and may be thick enough to incorporate a diffusing member that may be separated and parallel. There may be. Typically, the substrate can have a thickness of about 0.01-15 mm, about 0.01-5 mm, about 0.01-2 mm, or about 0.1-1 mm.

  The substrate can comprise one, at least one or more, or multiple light sources placed in an area defined by the fragile area.

The area defined by the fragile area may have a substantially rectangular or square shape. The area defined by the weakened area may have an area of about 0.1 to 4 cm ² , or about 0.5 to 1 cm ² .

  The substrate may further include a diffusion member that mimics the shape of the original substrate, including the shape of the fragile area.

  Light from the light source (s) will be distributed across the substrate in a simple, substantially homogeneous manner, which is achieved via a diffusing structure.

  The light source may have any suitable shape, for example, may be substantially circular, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any combination thereof.

  The light source and diffuser are preferably placed on the substrate so that the flexible device does not touch each other as it bends, flexes and / or follows away from the planar position. Thus, when the flexible device is substantially planar (ie, flat) or bends, flexes, and / or follows, at least some or preferably all of the sides of the light source do not touch.

  The light-emitting device of the present invention is thus non-planar, for example, any part of the human or mammalian body, such as a patient's foot, leg, torso, shoulder, arm, hand, finger, head, or facial area. It is intended to provide a light emitting device that can be adapted and / or conformed to a planar, substantially non-planar or curved surface. Because the light emitting device is flexible in multiple directions, this allows the patient to be relatively wide due to the flexibility of the light emitting device as a whole despite the substrate material being at least semi-rigid. It is possible to treat the area as a target.

  By allowing the light-emitting device to adapt and / or fit to a non-planar or curved surface, the light-emitting device can make the patient's skin uniform or substantially as important for therapeutic efficacy. Can have the ability to illuminate uniformly. The present invention therefore provides that at least one, two or more, or multiple, rigid or semi-rigid light sources mounted on a flexible substrate are non-planar and / or curved in the patient. The surface can be adapted and / or fitted.

  The flexible device can comprise a surface intended to contact the patient (ie, a contact surface). This contact surface may be capable of bending, flexing and / or following, for example, a patient's non-planar, substantially non-planar or curved surface. . The flexible device is preferably capable of contacting the patient in its entirety or substantially entirely during use.

  A flexible device having a substrate with a light source, a diffuser and a light emitting surface is less than about 5 degrees, less than about 10 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 20 degrees in either direction away from the planar position. Less than about 25 degrees, less than about 30 degrees, less than about 35 degrees, less than about 40 degrees, less than about 45 degrees, less than about 50 degrees, less than about 55 degrees, less than about 60 degrees, less than about 65 degrees, less than about 70 degrees , Less than about 75 degrees, less than about 85 degrees, or less than about 90 degrees, capable of bending, flexing, and / or following. Instead, the substrate having the light source (s) is about 0-5 degrees, about 0-10 degrees, about 0-15 degrees, about 0-20 in either direction away from the planar position. Degrees, about 0-25 degrees, about 0-30 degrees, about 0-35 degrees, about 0-40 degrees, about 0-45 degrees, about 0-50 degrees, about 0-55 degrees, about 0-65 degrees, Can be capable of bending, flexing and / or following about 0-70 degrees, about 0-75 degrees, about 0-80 degrees, about 0-85 degrees, or about 0-90 degrees. . Bending, distortion, and / or along may occur in different directions at multiple points on the substrate.

  The light emitting device may comprise an electronic device for operation of the device and at least one light source. The electronics can be flexible and capable of bending, flexing and / or following away from a planar position. The substrate can be a flexible PCB.

  The substrate may be further designed to allow the light from the at least one light source to exit the light emitting device and be used for medical applications such as therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment. it can. The light emitting device is therefore capable of distributing light over the area of the patient to be treated, preferably substantially uniformly over the area of the patient to be treated.

  A light source (s) is installed on the substrate, and the light is distributed over the entire surface of the rigid substrate via the diffusion member.

  The light source (s) may be intrinsic area emitters such as organic light emitting diodes. In this case, each rigid substrate would be an individual organic light emitting diode connected via a flexible hinge. Alternatively, the entire device may be a single substrate with fragile features.

Flexible light-emitting device which is intended to be brought into contact with the patient is about 0.1-10000Cm ^2, about 0.1-250Cm ^2, about 0.1-100Cm ^2, about 1-100Cm ^2, or about 5 It may have a surface area of 250 cm ² . Instead, flexible light emitting devices intended for contact with a patient are greater than about 0.01 cm ^2, greater than about 0.1 cm ^2, greater than about 1 cm ^2, greater than about 5 cm ² , about 10 cm ^2. It may have a surface area greater than, greater than about 50 cm ² , or greater than about 1000 cm ² .

  The apparatus may further comprise an adhesive sheet around at least part or all of the periphery of the flexible substrate. The adhesive sheet can provide an adhesive surface for attaching the light emitting device to the patient.

  The flexible device may similarly comprise a transparent adhesive sheet placed between the flexible device and the skin. The adhesive sheet can provide an adhesive surface for attaching the light emitting device to the patient.

  The device may further comprise a drug and / or chemical source capable of delivering the drug and / or chemical to the area to be treated of the patient. The device of the present invention is therefore capable of performing therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatments.

  The present invention therefore relates to a light emitting device capable of performing therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatments using photodynamic therapy or phototherapy to human or animal patients. In some situations the treatment may be of a therapeutic nature (eg skin cancer, severe acne), while in other situations the treatment may be of a cosmetic nature (eg very few acne) It can be said that it is an anti-aging treatment such as treatment of wrinkles).

  The light source can be any suitable light source that can emit light over a desired wavelength. The light source may be provided as a light emitting layer. Typically, the light source may be operating within a range such as about 300-3000 nm, about 300-1500 nm, about 300-800 nm, and the like. In certain embodiments, the light source may be operating in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Alternatively, the light source may operate in the ultraviolet or infrared wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

  The light source may emit light substantially continuously over a preset period of time, or it may emit light discontinuously as in a pulsed manner. In certain embodiments, light from the light source is pulsed for a period of at least about 10 ms, at least about 100 ms, at least about 1 s, at least about 10 s, at least about 10 ms, at least about 100 s, at least about 1000 s, or at least about 10000 s. It may be.

  In certain embodiments, the light source may be, by way of example, any suitable form of diode, such as an organic light emitting diode or an inorganic light emitting diode incorporated into a diffuser. Alternatively, the light source may be a fluorescent light source such as a fluorescent lamp. The fluorescent light source will be compact in shape. For example, this includes LEDs, waveguides and diffusers that are technologies developed from backlight display technology.

The light emitting device as a whole may have an optical power density of about 0.1-500 mW / cm ² , about 1-200 mW / cm ² , or about 5-50 mW / cm ² . The operating at least one light source may be operating at a substantially constant power, or alternatively may vary over a range of powers.

  The device may comprise a photochemical and / or photopharmaceutical formulation in the drug source and / or chemical source, for example in the form of a layer.

  The photochemical formulation and / or photopharmaceutical formulation may be delivered to the patient's area to be treated at an appropriate pre-set number of times and / or controlled by a control unit. The photochemical formulation and / or photopharmaceutical formulation may be provided, for example, in the form of a gauze soaked in a gel, ointment, cream, or photodynamic therapy solution. Alternatively or additionally, the light emitting device may be provided with a thin film impregnated with a photochemical and / or photopharmaceutical formulation. A photochemical preparation and / or a photopharmaceutical preparation is a drug and / or an antiseptic capable of treating a patient, and includes a drug and / or an antiseptic that can be applied to a person in need Also good. Typically, the photochemical and / or photopharmaceutical may be transparent or substantially transparent, or be transparent or substantially transparent while emitting light during use. Also good.

  In embodiments where the photochemical and / or photopharmaceutical can be transparent or translucent to the wavelength of the illuminating light, the resulting device is applied immediately without the additional step of applying the photochemical and / or photopharmaceutical to the patient. Would be able to. In certain embodiments, the photochemical and / or photopharmaceutical is covered with a peelable release agent. The photochemical preparation and / or the photopharmaceutical preparation may comprise an inactive compound that can be metabolized to the active compound in vivo. In use, the appropriate amount of photochemical and / or photopharmaceutical formulation is applied to the area of the patient to be treated.

  Exemplary drugs and / or chemicals used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, precursor drugs such as ALA or Metfix ™ or other photodynamic therapeutic agents. It is.

  In use, a drug and / or chemical layer will be placed over the top of the area of the patient to be treated. To improve treatment, an electrolyte solution such as sodium chloride solution may be placed on the skin to improve electrical contact.

  A power source is provided to power the light source and / or electronic device on the flexible substrate. If the power source is made small and compact and integrated into the overall device, it will be a device suitable for treatment that a patient can perform while walking. The device of the present invention will therefore be wearable and may be attached to an area of the patient's foot, leg, torso, shoulder, arm, hand, head, or face.

  The light emitting device may comprise attachment means for attaching the device to a human or animal body part (s). For example, the apparatus may comprise mechanical and / or adhesive means for attaching the device to a human or animal body part. In certain embodiments, the light emitting device is therefore a strap device for attaching the device to a patient, optionally comprising fastening means and / or Velcro® and / or an adhesive surface. It can be provided with a strap device.

  The light emitting device will be lightweight and portable. In certain embodiments, the device can be a fully self-contained portable unit and includes a self-contained power supply. The power supply activates the device electronics and the light source. The light emitting device is portable enough to allow treatment that the patient can perform while walking, so that the patient can move around during the treatment. As a result, treatment can be done at home or at work, and can be released by the patient if necessary. Thanks to this, it is avoided that outpatients or inpatients remain in the hospital, so that the treatment costs can be kept low. This provides a significant advantage that lower light levels can be used because exposure can occur for longer periods of time. This overcomes the pain problem caused to some patients by high irradiance from conventional sources used in hospitals. In addition, lower irradiance over a longer period of time will increase the effectiveness of light-induced therapy, because it will allow more time for oxygen to diffuse into the area to be treated. This is because the photobleaching of photopharmaceuticals is reduced.

  The at least one light source may further comprise a substrate layer, such as a transparent or at least substantially transparent substrate layer. Alternatively, at least the light source may comprise a translucent or at least substantially translucent substrate layer. The substrate layer functions as a support layer for the light source and can penetrate light. The substrate layer may also function as a barrier layer and may be selected to prevent oxygen and / or moisture from penetrating the light source. The substrate layer can be made or provided from any one or combination of suitable materials, such as silicon, plastic, or polymer. Furthermore, additional layers may be present, including diffusion layers.

  The device according to the invention could be used in a range of phototherapy and photodynamic therapy. For example, a device according to the present invention may be used in the treatment of cancer (eg skin cancer) and in the treatment of acne, wrinkles, wound healing, anti-aging, and skin laser, as found in cosmetic applications. . Wound means any form of open or closed wound. Open wounds include, but are not limited to, incisions or incisions; lacerations; abrasions; puncture wounds; penetrating wounds; shoot wounds; and ulcers (including ulcers derived from diabetes). Closed wounds include, but are not limited to, contusions; hematomas; and crush wounds, fungal infections, bone and tendon treatments.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in a light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment,
At least one substrate that is a transparent electrode capable of functioning as a light source;
At least first and second fragile areas on at least one substrate,
The first and second weakened areas have substantially different directions, and the light emitting device is provided with a light emitting device that can conform to and / or follow a non-planar surface. Yes.

  The second aspect is similar to the first aspect and all relevant parts are incorporated from the first aspect. Fragment formation and use is thus as defined in the first aspect.

  The difference is that in this embodiment, the substrate itself is a transparent (or at least substantially transparent) electrode, and the fragile zone is formed in the substrate and optionally also in the anode. That is the point. The anode and substrate may therefore be patterned in a manner similar to the patterning described in the first aspect.

  The substrate and the anode may be in a planar shape or may be stacked together.

  In certain embodiments, the fragile zone forms at least one or more, or multiple, rupture members, which may be flexible. On the rupture member is provided one or more conductive traces which may be in the form of a mesh or cobweb extending over the entire surface area or substantially the entire surface area of the rupture member. Conductive traces can be placed toward and / or adjacent to the side of the breaking member, meaning that more light is emitted from the side than the center of the breaking member. It is. The conductive traces are thin with a thickness of about 0.1 μm to 5 mm.

  The conductive trace distributes current across the surface of the anode of the light emitting device (eg, OLED), thereby overcoming the inherent high sheet resistance of the light emitting device and the inability to distribute current across the surface. This results in a more uniform light output from the polymer of the light emitting device. We believe that in a sliced / patterned substrate, the geometry of the electrode trace is preferably configured to match the shape of the breaking member, eg, the “leg”. I found.

  In certain embodiments, the conductive traces extend along substantially the majority of the length or length of the breaking member and along the center or substantially central section of the breaking member. The conductive traces may extend in a straight line, or other patterns (eg, curvilinear or spider webs) may be implemented. The pattern of conductive traces may instead be in the form of a honeycomb pattern. However, other conductive trace patterns that form a mesh or cobweb extending across the rupture member may be used. It is preferred that the conductive trace pattern in the form of a mesh or cobweb extends over the entire surface area of the breaking member.

  In an alternative embodiment, the conductive traces extend adjacent to both sides of the breaking member and then extend adjacent to the end of the breaking member. The conductive trace pattern can thus be viewed as forming a substantially “U” shaped design. The conductive trace pattern may be about 0.5-2 mm away from the edge of the breaking member. Placing the conductive traces toward and / or adjacent to the side of the breaking member means that more light is emitted from the side than at the center of the breaking member. This means that when the two breaking members are bent away from each other, the adjacent surfaces are still illuminated uniformly.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in a method of performing a therapeutic treatment and / or a cosmetic treatment,
Providing at least one substrate;
Providing at least one light source disposed on the substrate;
Providing at least first and second fragile zones on at least one substrate, and
A method is provided in which the first and second weakened areas have substantially different orientations and the light emitting device can conform to and / or follow a non-planar surface. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in a light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment,
Providing at least one substrate that is a transparent electrode capable of functioning as a light source;
Providing at least first and second fragile areas on at least one substrate, and
The first and second weakened areas have substantially different directions, and the light emitting device is provided with a light emitting device that can conform to and / or follow a non-planar surface. Yes.

  The method may be performed by an apparatus as defined in the first and second aspects.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided use of a device according to the first and second aspects in medical treatment.

  Typically, the medical treatment can be photodynamic therapy or phototherapy.

  The present invention thus relates to the treatment of cancer (eg skin cancer) and the treatment after acne, wrinkles, wound healing, anti-aging and skin lasers (eg cosmetic use).

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using the device according to the first and second aspects for medical treatment.

  The medical treatment may be photodynamic therapy or phototherapy treatment.

  The treatment may also be treatment of cancer (eg skin cancer) or treatment after acne, wrinkles, wound healing, anti-aging and skin laser (eg cosmetic use).

  The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 represents a light emitting device according to an embodiment of the invention. The place which bent the light-emitting device shown by FIG. 1 is represented. Fig. 4 represents a light emitting device according to a further embodiment of the invention, further comprising a flexible substrate on which conductive traces may be placed. FIG. 6 is a top view of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) array according to a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view of the organic light emitting diode (OLED) arrangement shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 represents the non-linear emission of light from the organic light emitting diode (OLED) array shown in FIGS. 2 represents a light emitting device according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG. 8 is a diagram of the light emitting device shown in FIG. 7, showing a pattern of electrode geometry. 6 illustrates substrate patterning of conductive traces on a light emitting device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 6 illustrates substrate patterning of conductive traces on a light emitting device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

  The present invention thus relates to a device capable of performing therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatments on human or animal patients. The device may be used for any type of medical treatment, for example in phototherapy or photodynamic therapy.

  FIG. 1 represents a light-emitting device according to the invention, generally designated 100. The light emitting device 100 includes a flexible substrate 110 made of a flexible PCB or a flexible dielectric, and a conductive trace may be placed on the substrate. The flexible substrate 110 has a size of about 30 cm × 30 cm and a thickness of about 1 mm. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of light sources 112 are embedded / deposited on a flexible substrate 110. The light source 112 is attached by solder. FIG. 1 further shows that a series of elongated, substantially parallel cuts 114 are provided that extend from one side to approximately the end of another side. A series of short cuts 116 intersect the long, substantially parallel cuts 114. The short cuts 116 are arranged in a substantially alternating arrangement on adjacent long, substantially parallel cuts 114. As a result, the cuts 114 and 116 form a lattice-like pattern on the flexible substrate 110, but still maintain the flexible substrate 110 as a single piece of material.

  FIG. 2 shows the light emitting device 100 being deflected so that the material between the cuts 114 and 116 can easily bend and move, thereby causing a non-planar shape, such as the patient's body. It shows that it can fit and / or follow a surface. In FIG. 2, the breaking member 120 of the flexible substrate is shown bent away from the horizontal plane.

  FIG. 3 shows a further light emitting device 200, which is likewise a flexible substrate 110 made of flexible PCB or flexible dielectric, on which conductive traces may be placed. And a series of long, substantially parallel cuts 214 and a series of short cuts 216 that together form an "L" shaped cut in flexible substrate 210. The light emitting device 200 provided is shown. For the sake of clarity, the light source is omitted from the figure. As before, the breaking member 220 of the flexible substrate 210 is shown bent away from the horizontal plane.

  4 and 5 are diagrams of an organic light emitting diode (OLED), indicated generally at 300. FIG. The OLED 300 is a pseudo 2D structure comprising a stack of layers and a substrate 316. In its simplest form, the OLED 300 is configured with a thin layer 310 of light emitting polymer sandwiched between two electrodes, an anode 312 and a cathode 314. When voltage is applied across the stack, light 318 is emitted from the polymer. The cathode 314 of the OLED 300 may be made from low specific resistance aluminum. On the other hand, the anode 312 is made of a material having a high sheet resistance. This means that when a voltage is applied across points A and B, the current flows from A to B in a non-linear fashion, resulting in the output of inhomogeneous light from the polymer 310. This non-linear light emission is shown in FIG. 6, which is a false color image, indicating that the red / white area has a higher intensity of emitted light.

  The anode 312 and the substrate 316 can be patterned in a manner similar to the patterning shown in FIGS.

  The non-linear light emission shown in FIG. 6 is well known in the literature and various methods have been proposed to overcome this. The present invention introduces thin conductive traces onto the surface of the anode 312 and distributes the current across the surface of the anode 312, thereby inherently high sheet resistance and the ability to distribute the current across the surface. It provides a way to overcome the lack of This will result in a more uniform light output from the polymer 310. The inventors have found that in a cut / patterned substrate, the geometry of the electrode traces should be configured to match the shape of the “legs”.

  FIG. 7 is a light emitting device 400 of the present invention formed from a slit / patterned flexible substrate 410. The flexible substrate 410 may be made of a flexible PCB or a flexible dielectric, and conductive traces may be placed on the substrate. Shown is a series of elongated, substantially parallel cuts 414 that form a breaking member 420 that can bend and / or deflect away from a horizontal plane.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram of the light emitting device 400 showing conductive traces 430 extending along the breaking member 420. The conductive trace 430 extends substantially along the central section of the breaking member 420. Although the conductive traces are shown as extending straight, other patterns are possible.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram of a further conductive trace pattern 530 on a breaking member 530 of another light emitting device. The conductive trace pattern 530 is in the form of a honeycomb pattern. However, other conductive trace patterns that form a mesh or cobweb extending across the rupture member 530 may be used. It is preferred that the conductive trace pattern in the form of a mesh or cobweb extends over the entire surface area of the breaking member.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram of a further conductive trace pattern 630 on a breaking member 630 of another light emitting device. The conductive trace pattern 630 extends adjacent to both sides of the breaking member 630 and then extends adjacent to the end of the breaking member 630. The conductive trace pattern 630 can thus be viewed as forming a substantially “U” shaped design. The conductive trace pattern 630 may be about 0.5-2 mm away from the edge of the breaking member 630. Placing the conductive traces toward and / or adjacent to the side of the breaking member means that more light is emitted from the side than at the center of the breaking member. This means that when the two breaking members are bent away from each other, the adjacent surfaces are still illuminated uniformly. This method introduces some intra-leg variation, but still minimizes light variation across the surface as a whole.

  While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be understood that deviations from the described embodiments may still be encompassed within the scope of the invention. For example, any suitable type of flexible substrate may be used. Furthermore, any suitable type of light source may be used. Also, the shape of the fragile area may vary depending on the particular application, for example, a spiral cut may be made in the substrate or a circular cut. In addition, the conductive traces may be in the form of a mesh or cobweb that extends over the entire surface area of the breaking member. Alternatively, the conductive traces may be placed towards and / or adjacent to the side of the breaking member, i.e. the light emitted from the side rather than the center of the breaking member. It means that it will increase.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Light-emitting device 110 Flexible substrate 112 Light source 114 Long cut 116 Short cut 120 Breaking member 200 Light emitting device 210 Flexible substrate 214 Long cut 216 Short cut 220 Breaking member 300 Organic light emitting diode (OLED)
310 Light-Emitting Polymer 312 Anode 314 Cathode 316 Substrate 318 Light 400 Light-Emitting Device 410 Flexible Substrate 414 Long Cut 420 Breaking Member 430 Conductive Trace 530 Breaking Member 530 Conductive Trace Pattern 630 Breaking Member 630 Conductive Trace Pattern

Claims (42)

In a light emitting device for use in therapeutic treatment and / or cosmetic treatment,
At least one substrate;
At least one light source disposed on the substrate;
At least first and second weakened areas on the at least one substrate,
The first and second weakened areas have substantially different orientations, and the light emitting device can conform to and / or follow a non-planar surface, Or a light emitting device for use in cosmetic treatment.   The light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to claim 1, wherein two or more or a plurality of vulnerable areas are provided.   The light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weakened area has any suitable shape.   The therapeutic treatment and / or cosmetic treatment according to any preceding claim, wherein the weakened area is a thinner area, a perforated area, a partially folded area, or a cut area on the substrate. Light-emitting device for use in medical treatment.   5. Use for therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to claim 4, wherein the cut extends from one side of the substrate to the other, thus forming a plurality of slits in the substrate. Light-emitting device.   The first and second fragile zones are bifurcated with respect to each other, for example, between about 10-170 °, about 20-160 °, about 30-150 °, about 40-140 °, about Have any angle of 50-130 °, about 60-120 °, about 70-110 °, about 80-100 °, or about 90 °, and any suitable, such as circular and / or helical cuts A light-emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light-emitting device is in the form of a dent.   A therapeutic treatment according to any preceding claim, wherein a series of fragile areas are provided, the fragile areas comprising a series of substantially vertical and substantially horizontal fragile areas. A light emitting device for use in cosmetic treatment.   8. The therapeutic treatment and / or the therapeutic treatment of claim 7, wherein the series of vulnerable areas comprises weak areas spaced on the x-axis and substantially horizontal weak areas spaced on the y-axis. Or a light emitting device for use in cosmetic treatment.   A series or a plurality of substantially vertical weakened areas that extend substantially the entire length of the substrate but remain unfragile and may take the form of a single substrate A light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any preceding claim, wherein a substantially vertical weakened area is provided.   A series or plurality of discontinuous substantially horizontal fragile areas are provided, wherein the substantially horizontal fragile areas intersect and extend through the substantially vertical fragile areas. A light emitting device for use in the therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of the preceding claims.   Any of the above, wherein a plurality of substantially vertical weakened areas extending from one side of the substrate to the opposite side are provided, wherein the substantially vertical weakened areas are substantially parallel to each other. A light emitting device for use in the therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of the claims.   Use for therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of substantially horizontal weakened areas are provided extending from one side of the substrate to the opposite side. Light emitting device for.   A therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of substantially horizontal fragile areas are provided that form a discontinuous "bar" -like pattern. Light emitting device for use.   Therapeutic treatment and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a series of substantially horizontal fragile areas, each in the form of a "bar" -like pattern, are provided in succession. A light emitting device for use in therapy.   The material forming the substrate is flexible and can bend, bend and / or follow, wherein the bend, bend and / or along is at a plurality of points on the substrate. A light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of the preceding claims, which can occur in a plurality of directions.   The therapeutic treatment according to any preceding claim, wherein the material forming the substrate is a flexible material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer polymer (eg, a flexible polymeric material). Luminescent device for use in cosmetic treatment.   The therapeutic treatment according to any preceding claim, wherein the thickness of the substrate is sufficient to provide support to at least one light source, and further sufficient to incorporate a diffusing member. Luminescent device for use in cosmetic treatment.   6. A substrate as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the substrate comprises one, at least one or more, or a plurality of light sources located in an area defined by the fragile area. Luminescent device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment. Said zone being defined by the weakened location is in a substantially rectangular or square shape with an area of about 0.1 to 4 cm ^2, or about 0.5 to 1 cm ^2, according to claim 18 Luminescent device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment.   The light emitting device for use in therapeutic treatment and / or cosmetic treatment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate further comprises a diffusion member.   The therapeutic treatment and / or the therapeutic treatment according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a drug source and / or chemical source capable of delivering the drug and / or chemical to the area to be treated of the patient. Or a light emitting device for use in cosmetic treatment. In a light emitting device for use in therapeutic treatment and / or cosmetic treatment,
At least one substrate that is a transparent electrode capable of functioning as a light source;
At least first and second weakened areas on the at least one substrate,
The first and second weakened areas have substantially different orientations, and the light emitting device can conform to and / or follow a non-planar surface, Or a light emitting device for use in cosmetic treatment.   23. A light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to claim 22, wherein the weakened area is a series of cuts made in the at least one substrate.   23. An anode in the form of a plane attached to the substrate is provided, and the weakened area in the form of the cut is formed in both the substrate and the anode. Or a light-emitting device for use in the therapeutic treatment and / or cosmetic treatment according to any one of 23.   25. The therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the fragile zone forms at least one or more or a plurality of flexible breaking members. Light emitting device for use.   26. The conductive member according to claim 25, wherein one or more conductive traces in the form of a mesh or cobweb extending over the entire surface area or substantially the entire surface area of the breaking member are provided on the breaking member. Luminescent device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment.   The conductive traces are placed toward and / or adjacent to the side of the breaking member, that is, more light is emitted from the side than the center of the breaking member. 27. A light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to claim 26.   28. A light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of claims 26 or 27, wherein the conductive traces are thin having a thickness of about 0.1 μm to 5 mm.   The conductive trace distributes current across the surface of the anode of the light emitting device (eg, OLED), thereby reducing the inherently high sheet resistance of the light emitting device and the inability to distribute current across the surface. 29. Use for therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of claims 26 to 28, overcoming and thereby resulting in a more homogeneous light output from the polymer of the light emitting device. Light emitting device for.   30. Therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the geometry of the electrode trace is configured to match the shape of the breaking member, e.g. "leg". Light-emitting device for use in.   31. The conductive trace of claim 26-30, wherein the conductive trace extends along substantially the majority of the length or length of the breaking member and along the middle or substantially central section of the breaking member. A light-emitting device for use in any of the therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatments.   32. A light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of claims 26 to 31, wherein the conductive traces extend linearly or substantially linearly.   33. A light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of claims 26 to 32, wherein the conductive traces are in the form of a honeycomb pattern.   33. A light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of claims 26 to 32, wherein the conductive trace is in the form of a mesh or cobweb extending across the rupture member.   33. The therapeutic treatment according to any of claims 26 to 32, wherein the conductive traces extend adjacent to both sides of the breaking member and optionally then extend adjacent to an end of the breaking member. Luminescent device for use in treatment and / or cosmetic treatment.   33. A light emitting device for use in therapeutic and / or cosmetic treatment according to any of claims 26 to 32, wherein the conductive trace is in the form of a substantially "U" shaped design.   The conductive trace pattern is about 0.5-2 mm away from the edge adjacent to the edge of the breaking member, and accordingly, more light is emitted from the side than the center of the breaking member, 33. The therapeutic treatment and / or according to any of claims 26 to 32, wherein when the two breaking members are bent away from each other, the adjacent surfaces are still illuminated uniformly. Or a light emitting device for use in cosmetic treatment. In a method of performing therapeutic treatment and / or cosmetic treatment,
Providing at least one substrate;
Providing at least one light source disposed on the substrate;
Providing at least first and second fragile zones on the at least one substrate, and
The first and second weakened areas have substantially different orientations, and the light emitting device can conform to and / or follow a non-planar surface, Or a method of performing cosmetic treatment. In a light emitting device for use in therapeutic treatment and / or cosmetic treatment,
Providing at least one substrate that is a transparent electrode capable of functioning as a light source;
Providing at least first and second fragile areas on at least one substrate, and
The first and second weakened areas have substantially different orientations, and the light emitting device can conform to and / or follow a non-planar surface, Or light emitting device for use in cosmetic treatment.   Use of a device according to any of claims 1 to 37 in medical treatment.   41. Use of the device according to claim 40, wherein the medical treatment is photodynamic therapy or phototherapy.   Apparatus as described above and / or shown in FIGS.

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