Samaritan Phototherapy Unit
https://iitk.ac.in/ipr/technologies-available-for-licensing
Indian Design Patent- 287986
By providing high irradiance in an enclosed space, this phototherapy unit aims to treat neonatal jaundice effectively, especially in rural areas of India.
Project Type​
Product Design
Design Research
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Role
User Research
Concept Design
Prototype Design
Prototype Testing
Patent Filing​
Year
06 Months
(2016-17)
Background/Problem identification
Field Interviews and Validating the problem
Field interviews were conducted with the doctors in Kanpur, India to identify the problem with the existing phototherapy unit
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The present phototherapy devices are not portable
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Problem of dehydration due to CFL bulbs
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Mothers can’t breastfeed the baby
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High cost/sitting and can’t be used in rural India
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Machine captures a lot of space
Competitive Analysis
The existing phototherapy devices were benchmarked before ideating. We could find only Firefly device developed by IDEO to be the best amongst all the available products due to its portability.
Insights from the research conducted
Factors influencing the the treatment
Wavelength of light (usually 400-550nm).
Irradiance or intensity of the light.
Body surface area of the neaonate.
Duration of Exposure.
Source to patient distance.
Research Question
How might we design a cost-effective and portable phototherapy unit that can be used in Rural India?
For whom we are designing the product?
Rural hospitals, nursing staff, doctors, clinics and parents who cannot afford high sitting charges of their neonates for the therapy.
Who are our end users?
Newborn babies suffering from jaundice.
Where the product will be used?
Rural hospitals, Clinics, maybe home.
How this product will be used?
It will be a portable device and can be assembled and dissembled as per the convenience and usage. This product will work on solar, AC and DC supply.
Ideation
Several concepts were ideated based on the brainstorming session. The third concept was finalized based on the pros over the other concepts.
Rationale to choose this design
Use of reflectors on the top and bottom panel.
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Use of less LED, resulting in less power consumption.
Consumes 25W/5Amps/12v and can also run on the solar panel.
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Use of enclosed space prevents the light dispersion resulting in better treatment with better irradiance.
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Compact & Portable (top panel can be folded). The whole unit can be easily transferred to the Rural India.
Developing a Low Fidelity Prototype
The low fidelity prototype was taken to the hospital to get feedback from the doctors. After the green signal, we decided to go for the final prototype development.