NL2026334B1 - Light therapy device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) that is configured to emit light towards a person’s skin. A practical example of such a device is a light therapy device, and the device (100) according to the invention may be particularly suitable for use in ambulatory care of hyperbilirubinemia. The device (100) according to the invention comprises a generally sheet-shaped functional element (10) for arrangement near the skin, wherein the functional element (10) includes at least one mesh part (11) with an open mesh structure and light sources (20) arranged at the at least one mesh part (11). The open mesh structure of the at least one mesh part (11) of the functional element (10) contributes to breathability of the functional element (10) and also allows for realizing homogeneity of light emitted from the functional element (10) during operation, wherein any appropriate arrangement of the light sources (20) can be chosen.

Description

Light therapy device The invention relates to a device configured to emit light towards a person’s skin. A practical example of such a device is a light therapy device, and the device according to the invention may be particularly suitable for use in ambulatory care of hyperbilirubinemia.

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, involves exposure of a person to light, wherein the light may be daylight or artificial light with a certain specific wavelength or range of wavelengths. Depending on the condition to be treated various light therapy parameters are set, including the duration and the frequency of the periods of time during which the light is administered, and the intensity of the light.

Light therapy is applied for various treatments, including the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne vulgaris. Light therapy is also a well- established medical therapy for the treatment of bilirubin defects such as neonatal jaundice. It is a known fact that light with a wavelength between about 450 to 500 nm has a effect of reduction of the bilirubin levels in the human body. In this respect, reference is made to WO 2017/030436 A1. In this patent document, an intelligent wearable light module for ambulatory light therapy is disclosed. The light module is disposed in a wearable light module housing to be worn on a person’s body for illuminating, during use of the light module, the person’s skin with light of a wavelength corresponding to the light therapy. The light module comprises a substrate and a plurality of LEDs arranged on the substrate, in a light emission plane on an emission side of the light module, i.e. a side of the light module intended to face the person’s skin during use of the light module. The light module further comprises a number of other components including a driver unit for driving the plurality of LEDs, an arrangement for supplying electric power to the LEDs and an arrangement for enabling remote communication with the light module. Since the light module is a wearable module, it is possible to place the light module directly on the skin or to enwrap the light module in a suitable garment.

The invention is aimed at providing a device that is suitable to be used as light therapy device and that is of a new design involving a high level of convenience and hygiene besides other advantages. In view thereof, the invention provides a device that is configured to emit light towards a person's skin, and that comprises a generally sheet-shaped functional element for arrangement near the skin, wherein the functional element includes at least one mesh part with an open mesh structure and light sources arranged at the at least one mesh part. The open mesh structure of the atleast one mesh part of the functional element contributes to breathability of the functional element, wherein it is noted that breathability is an important aspect in the context of an element that is configured to be arranged near a person's skin. Another advantage of the open mesh structure of the at least one mesh part of the functional element is that realizing homogeneity of light emitted from the functional element during operation is facilitated, wherein any appropriate arrangement of the light sources can be chosen. For example, it may be appropriate for the light sources to be arranged at the at least one mesh part in a regular pattern and at a distance relative to each other. The light sources may be of any suitable type and may comprise LEDs, for example. In general, the light sources may comprise discrete components configured to generate light, but that does not alter the fact that alternatives are covered by the invention as well, including an option of the at least one mesh part of the functional element being configured to serve as a light guide and having defined areas for allowing light to escape, wherein the at least one mesh part has one or more light-incoupling areas for receiving incoming light.

The open mesh structure of the at least one mesh part of the functional element can be of any suitable design. For example, the at least one mesh part may include hexagonal meshes. In such a case, it may be practical and advantageous if the light sources are arranged at the corners of the hexagonal meshes and/or at central positions between the corners of the hexagonal meshes. Such an arrangement of the light sources may contribute to the above-mentioned homogeneity of light emitted from the functional element during operation.

In a practical embodiment of the device according to the invention, the functional element has a non-mesh part accommodating electronics of the device. The non-mesh part as mentioned may be strip-shaped, and an embodiment of the functional element is feasible that comprises a strip-shaped non-mesh part having a more or less central position in the functional element and two mesh parts located at opposite sides of the non-mesh part. Further, the non-mesh part as mentioned may have a connection area configured to enable coupling of an external power supply element to the functional element, wherein optionally the connection area is configured to enable magnetic coupling of an external power supply element to the functional element. Having a magnetic coupling contributes to a high hygiene level, as no connection hole or the like is required. Another advantage of having a magnetic coupling resides in the fact that handling the coupling requires no more than a minimum level of technical skill. In order to prevent the non-mesh part from constituting a part that is not effective when it comes to light therapy, it may be advantageous if the device according to the invention comprises light sources arranged at the non-mesh part.

The device according to the invention may be designed to realize intelligent control of the light sources and/or to provide a user of the device, which may be the person under treatment or another person such as a health care professional, with relevant information. To that end, an embodiment of the device is feasible in which the device comprises at least one biosensor arranged at the functional element.

In order to have optimal effectivity of light therapy performed by means of the device according to the invention and at the same time protect the surroundings of the device from the light emitted by the light sources during operation of the device, it may be advantageous if the functional element comprises a light distribution and reflection layer arranged at a skin-facing side thereof and an exterior light shield layer arranged at a non-skin facing side thereof. Further, it is advantageous if the light sources and electronic wiring for powering the light sources are completely embedded in the at least one mesh part of the functional element, so that it is possible to clean/wash the at least one mesh part without risk of damage to the light sources and the electronics. In the case that the functional element comprises the layers as mentioned, at least the light sources are located at the position of the light distribution and reflection layer.

At least in the context of treatment of neonatal jaundice, it is advantageous if the device according to the invention comprises a garment configured to receive and accommodate the functional element. Such a garment may be a specially tailored romper or a jacket/vest, for example, and at least part of the garment is transparent to the light emitted by the light sources during operation. In the context of treatment of neonatal jaundice as mentioned, positioning the functional element relative to the skin by means of a garment allows for natural feeding, even breast feeding while continuing the light therapy, skin-to-skin care (kangaroo care) while continuing the light therapy, transitional care from sleeping position to diaper change position to carrying and/or feeding position, etc. It is also advantageous if at least the at least one mesh part of the functional element is flexible so that it is possible to bend the at least one mesh part for the purpose of closely following body contours. To that end, at least the at least one mesh part may comprise a flexible yet robust material such as silicone. Further, the device optionally comprises a base unit including a user interface and a connection area configured for electric connection to the functional element. The connection area of the base unit may especially be configured to be connected to an appropriate connection area of the functional element through an electric cable or the like. The base unit may be equipped with a space for receiving and accommodating a (rechargeable) battery pack, for example. Additionally or alternatively to having a user interface on a base unit, it is possible that the functional element is equipped with a user interface. Examples of a user interface include a button, a switch and a touchscreen. Like the light module known from WO 2017/030436 A1, the device according to the invention may further comprise a one or more further practical components such as a driver unit for driving the light sources and an arrangement for enabling remote communication with the device, wherein it is noted that both options of wired and wireless communication are possible in the framework of the invention.

The above-described and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the following detailed description of a practical embodiment of a light therapy device.

The invention will now be explained in greater detail with reference to the figures, in which equal or similar parts are indicated by the same reference signs, and in which: Figure 1 diagrammatically shows a functional element of a device according to an 5 embodiment of the invention and a portion of an electric cable coupled to the functional element, Figure 2 diagrammatically shows two mesh parts and a non-mesh part of the functional element, Figure 3 diagrammatically shows a light distribution and reflection layer of the functional element and integrated light sources and electronic wiring for powering the light sources, electronics located at the position of the non-mesh part, and a portion of an electric cable, Figure 4 illustrates an option of light sources being arranged at the non-mesh part, Figures 5 and 6 illustrate different options of the arrangement of light sources at the meshes of the mesh parts of the functional element, Figure 7 diagrammatically shows the mesh parts and the non-mesh part of the functional element, and further diagrammatically shows a base unit and an electric cable extending between a connection area on the functional element and a connection area on the base unit, and Figures 8 and 9 show an opened and a closed configuration, respectively, of an embodiment of a garment enwrapping the functional element.

Figure 1 shows a functional element 10 of a device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention and a portion of an electric cable 5 coupled to the functional element 10, figure 2 shows two mesh parts 11 and a non-mesh part 12 of the functional element 10, and figure 3 shows a light distribution and reflection layer 13 of the functional element 10 and integrated light sources 20 and electronic wiring 21 for powering the light sources 20, electronics 22 located at the position of the non- mesh part 12, and a portion of an electric cable 5. The device 100 is configured to be used as a light therapy device. For example, the device 100 may especially be suitable to be used for the purpose of reducing bilirubin levels in the human body. In any case, the device 100 is configured to emit light towards a person's skin by means of the light sources 20. It is practical if the light sources 20 are LEDs, for example.

The functional element 10 is generally sheet-shaped and may further be of any suitable shape and size, wherein it is practical that the shape and size are adapted to factors such as the type of person to be treated (new-born baby, small child, adult etc.) and the type of body part(s) to be treated.

In the shown example, the non-mesh part 12 is strip-shaped and the mesh parts 11 are located at opposite sides of the non-mesh part 12, wherein the non-mesh part 12 has a more or less central position in the functional element 10 and the mesh parts 11 are like wings on the non-mesh part 12. The functional element 10 constitutes a part of the device 100 that is intended to be arranged near the skin, i.e. at a (short) distance from the skin or even on the skin.

As can be seen in figures 1, 2 and 3, the mesh parts 11 have an open mesh structure.

In the shown example, the meshes 14 of the mesh parts 11 are of hexagonal shape, which does not alter the fact that other options are covered by the invention, such as an option of the meshes 14 of the mesh parts 11 being of square shape, wherein it is further noted that it may be so that the mesh parts 11 include meshes 14 of at least two different shapes.

The light sources 20 are completely embedded in the mesh parts 11, and the same is applicable to the electronic wiring 21 for powering the light sources 20. Besides the light distribution and reflection layer 13, the functional element 10 has an exterior light shield layer 15 arranged at a non- skin facing side thereof, as can be seen in figure 1. The exterior light shield layer 15 covers the light distribution and reflection layer 13 of the functional element 10 at the position of both the mesh parts 11 and the non-mesh part 12 including the electronics 22 located at the position of the non-mesh part 12. The electronics 22 may be designed to perform various functions, including a basic function of controlling operation of the light sources 20. The non-mesh part 12 may include a button 23 as shown, or another type of user interface, for switching the device 100 on/off, changing light intensity, etc.

Further, the non-mesh part 12 may have a connection area 24 configured to enable coupling of an external power supply element such as an electric cable 5 to the functional element 10. In the shown example, the connection area 24 is configured to enable magnetic coupling of such an external power supply element to the functional element 10.

Figure 4 illustrates the fact that it may be advantageous to not only have light sources 20 at the position of the mesh parts 11 of the functional element 10, but also atthe position of the non-mesh part 12. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the fact that any appropriate choice may be made when it comes to positioning the light sources 20 on the mesh parts 11, particularly on the meshes 14 of the mesh structure thereof. In the example shown in figure 5, the light sources 20 are arranged both at the corners of the hexagonal meshes 14 and at central positions between the corners of the hexagonal meshes 14. In the example shown in figure 8, the light sources 20 are arranged only at central positions between the corners of the hexagonal meshes 14, in such a way as to emit light in an inward direction in the open space of the meshes

14. The positioning of the light sources 20 may especially be chosen in such a way that during operation of the device 100, a homogenous distribution of the light that is emitted towards a person’s skin is realized. This is relevant when it comes to complying with requirements in the field of jaundice treatment, for example. The light sources 20 do no necessarily need to be arranged so as to emit light in a horizontal direction in the mesh parts 11 or in a vertical direction relative to the mesh parts 11, but it is also possible that the light sources 20 are arranged so as to emit light in an inclined orientation relative to the mesh parts 11.

Figure 7 shows the mesh parts 11 and the non-mesh part 12 of the functional element 10, and further shows a base unit 30 and an electric cable 5 extending between the connection area 24 on the functional element 10 and a connection area 31 on the base unit 30. The base unit 30 may especially be configured to supply power to the functional element 10, although the invention also covers the option of the functional element 10 being directly connectable to the mains, for example. Further, the base unit 30 may be configured to exchange information with the functional element 10, and may include a user interface 32 for receiving relevant input from a user of the device 100. For example, the functional element 10 may be equipped with one or more biosensors for detecting one or more parameters, such as skin color, and the detection results may be transmitted to the base unit 30 and processed so as to obtain information that is suitable to be displayed to the user. Alternatively, the base unit 30 mainly has a function in supplying power to the functional element 10, and another device is used to provide relevant information to the user, wherein it may be advantageous if the functional element 10 and such another device are configured to exchange information in a wireless fashion. According to one feasible option, the device 100 further comprises a garment 40 configured to receive and accommodate the functional element 10, so that the functional element 10 can easily be put in place relative to a person’s skin by simply putting on the garment 40 with the functional element 10 inside. The garment 40 may be of any suitable type and may be a jacket/vest as shown in figures 8 and 9, a romper, etc. Advantageously, the garment 40 is designed in such a way that an electric cable 5 is guided in a suitable way and that light leakage to the environment is prevented/minimized. In this respect, it is noted that in figure 9, it is indicated how the garment 40 may have a flap 41 that is especially configured to allow an electric cable to pass. In any case, at least a part of the garment 40, especially a part intended to be present at the inner side when the garment 40 is worn, is transparent to the light emitted by the light sources 20 during operation. In order to further enhance distribution of the light, it may be advantageous of the garment 40 includes fabrics having light-diffusing properties.

It is practical if the functional element 10 is designed so as to be flexible so that it is easy to insert the functional element 10 into the garment 40 and to remove the functional element 10 from the garment 40. In general, the functional element 10 being flexible allows for closely following body contours, as explained earlier, wherein it is possible to provide double side therapy. Electric connection between the functional element 10 and at least one external source for supplying power to the functional element 10 and/or to control operation of the functional element 10 and/or to exchange information with the functional element 10, such as the optional base unit 30, is easily established at the position of the connection area 24 of the functional element 10. Both the functional element 10 and the garment 40 can easily be cleaned, so that a high level of hygiene is guaranteed. Further, on the basis of the open mesh structure of the mesh parts 11 of the functional element 10, a high level of breathability of the functional element 10 is obtained, which contributes to the level of convenience of the person under treatment. In the framework of the invention, using a garment 40 and using the functional element 10 as a pad for insertion in the garment 40 is not necessary.

Alternatively, it is possible that the functional element 10 is inserted in another object such as a sleeping bag or mattress, or that the functional element 10 comprises a layer of cloth at the skin-facing side thereof. Depending on the nature of the light emitted by the light sources 20 during operation, it may also be possible to do without a layer of cloth or the like. In any case, in order to guarantee optimal convenience to a person treated by means of the device 100 according to the invention, it is advantageous if the functional element 10 is free from sharp edges, at least at the skin-facing side thereof. This implies that it is practical if, at least at the skin-facing side of the functional element 10, edges at the position of the mesh parts 11 and other positions are rounded. Further, in any case, it is advantageous if in respect of a surface intended to contact the skin, a material is chosen that is known to realize a pleasant feel on the skin and that does not stick to the skin.

In the framework of the invention, it is further possible that heat-controlling measures are taken. For example, it may be desired to release heat produced by a wearer of a garment 40 in which the functional element 10 is enwrapped. In this respect, use can be made of the physical principle of latent heat, wherein a heat- conductive element can be provided, and wherein the functional element 10 and the heat-conductive element can be configured to realize two-directional heat transfer either to heat or cool the functional element 10 towards a specific temperature. It may be practical to use a gel with latent heat properties of around 37°C and 40°C. This may be advantageous in the context of a high environmental temperature or a high temperature following from a care procedure when the functional element 10 is sandwiched between a person treated by means of the device 100 according to the invention and another object such as a caregiver, a mattress etc. According to further option, it is possible to use performance fabrics in the device 100 according to the invention, particularly a garment 40 as may be comprised by the device 100, which are capable of attributing to temperature management and which may comprise phase-change materials to that end, for example. Also, it may be beneficial to make appropriate environmental adaptations, such as using mattress material suitable for achieving passive air ventilation in case the person treated by means of the device 100 according to the invention is supported on a mattress for a considerable period of time.

Supply of electric power to the light sources 20 may be provided in any suitable way. For example, the base unit 30 may include a battery pack, which battery pack may be chargeable through inductive charging, magnetic charging or any other suitable charging procedure. It is also possible to have a small and light-weight power-supplying unit that can easily be supported by a person treated by means of the device 100 according to the invention, for example in a hand-held casing, a casing that can be strapped to the person’s wrist, a casing that can be included in the garment 40 in case the functional element 10 is enwrapped in a garment 40, etc. In respect of the option of the power-supplying unit being provided in a hand-held casing, it is noted that a situation is feasible in which the hand-held casing is normally in a rest position near a person under treatment and that the hand-held casing can be picked up by another person such as a caregiver when the person under treatment is moved (for example, picked up in case the person under treatment is a baby or a small child). The at least one area 24 for electric connection of the functional element 10 to a source of power supply may be arranged on the functional element 10 at any suitable position such as a position near an edge/corner of the functional element for easy side access.

A device 100 according to the invention may comprise two or even more functional elements 10, depending on the treatment that is envisaged. It is practical that the shape and size of (each of) the functional element(s) 10 are adapted to factors such as the type of person to be treated (new-born baby, small child, adult etc.) and the type of body part(s) to be treated, as mentioned earlier. For example, a functional element 10 may be designed so as to be arranged around a person's torso, thereby at least partially covering chest and back of the person, on a person’s head, on/around one or both of a person's legs, etc. The light emitted by the functional element 10 may be of any suitable type, and may particularly but not necessarily be therapeutic light, i.e. light known for having a therapeutic effect on a person when his/her skin is exposed to the light for an appropriate period of time or a sequence of periods of time.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing, but that several amendments and modifications thereof are possible without deviating from the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such amendments and modifications insofar they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalents thereof. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, wherein details which are not required for understanding the invention may have been omitted, and not necessarily to scale.

Notable aspects of the invention are summarized as follows. The invention relates to a device 100 that is configured to emit light towards a person's skin. A practical example of such a device is a light therapy device, and the device 100 according to the invention may be particularly suitable for use in ambulatory care of hyperbilirubinemia. The device 100 according to the invention comprises a generally sheet-shaped functional element 10 for arrangement near the skin, wherein the functional element 10 includes at least one mesh part 11 with an open mesh structure and light sources 20 arranged at the at least one mesh part 11. The open mesh structure of the at least one mesh part 11 of the functional element 10 contributes to breathability of the functional element 10 and also allows for realizing homogeneity of light emitted from the functional element 10 during operation, wherein any appropriate arrangement of the light sources 20 can be chosen. Depending on the specific aspects of a design of the functional element 10, the achieved homogeneity is a function of the amount, geometry, opening angle and directional angle of the light sources 20 towards and/or away from the skin and/or the patterns of the distribution of the light sources 20 over the functional element 10 and/or the thickness of the light distribution and reflection layer 13 of the functional element 10 and/or whether or not a diffuse texture is used at the skin-facing side of the functional element 10 and/or the properties of a (textile) layer between the functional element 10 and the skin plus the reflective properties at the non-skin facing side of the functional element 10.

Claims (15)

CONCLUSIONS A device (100) configured to radiate light to the skin of a person, comprising a generally plate-shaped functional element (10) for placement near the skin, the functional element (10) comprising at least one netting portion (11) having an open netting structure and comprising light sources (20) arranged on the at least one netting portion (11). The device (100) of claim 1, wherein the functional element (10) is configured to achieve homogeneity of light emitted from the functional element (10) during operation. The device (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the light sources (20) are arranged in a regular pattern and spaced from each other on the at least one mains portion (11). The device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one net portion (11) comprises hexagonal meshes (14). The device (100) of claim 4, wherein the light sources (20) are arranged at the corners of the hexagonal meshes (14). The device (100) of claim 4 or 5, wherein the light sources (20) are arranged at central positions between the corners of the hexagonal meshes (14). A device (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the functional element (10) has a non-mains portion (12) that houses electronics (22) of the device (100). The device (100) of claim 7, wherein the off-grid portion (12) has a terminal area (24) configured to allow coupling of an external power supply element (5) to the functional element (10). The device (100) of claim 8, wherein the interface region (24) is configured to allow magnetic coupling of an external power supply element (5) to the functional element (10). An apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 7-9, comprising light sources (20) mounted on the off-grid portion (12). The device (100) of any one of claims 1-10, comprising at least one biosensor mounted on the functional element (10). A device (100) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the functional element (10) has a light diffusion and reflection layer (13) disposed on a skin-facing side thereof and an outer light-shielding layer (15) applied to it. a non-skin-facing side thereof is provided. An apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the light sources (20) and electronic wiring (21) for powering the light sources (20) completely in the at least one mains portion (11) of the functional element (10) are embedded. The device (100) of any one of claims 1-13, comprising a garment (40) configured to receive and house the functional element (10). An apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1-14, comprising a base unit (30) comprising a user interface (32) and a connection area (31) configured for electrical connection to the functional element (10).