Hi all. Big newbie here.
I'm faced with a bit of a challenge. I want to make a flexible LED array wrap (heat resist silicone moulding?) with about 150 to 200 red and blue 5mm bulbs to go around arm for a skin problem. Got the general idea because I have a medical gadget to do the job, but it is a stiff panel with only 50 and I have to hold it and move it around - for seemingly ages. One arm aches fixing the other!
Pulled the thing apart and looks fairly straight forward. Uses a 240 - 12v transformer.
I'm not at all experienced with electronics, but am pretty handy with solder and fabricating with all sorts of materials, and am keen to at least give it a go.
I'm thinking of pouring the silicone into a tray over the circuitry (Just a guess - will take some trial and error)
Can you far more experienced guys give me any tips about suitable connections or general ideas you might have, even if you haven't made anything like it - possible pitfalls etc.
Thanks heaps for any clues about this oddball notion!

 

You seem to have a good idea for how to make a flexible sleeve. Silicone is naturally heat resistant. No problem there. Just lay out your wiring in a tray and pour! I can see it now...a piece of plywood with 200 tiny holes that the LEDs are placed into, a gawdawful amount of wires, and a layer or two of open weave mesh to give the final product resistance to tearing.

The only doubt I have is that shining light on you skin will cure anything. Let me know how that turns out.

 

... a gawdawful amount of wires, and a layer or two of open weave mesh to give the final product resistance to tearing.

Ha ha! Yep, the gawdaful load of wires are a worry! The one I cracked open seemed to be connected by tiny thin flat bars with pre-drilled holes either end (I'm sure they probably have a name to you). Not sure, it's hard to tell under all that solder.
The anti tear mesh is great idea - hadn't even thought about it. See, just the sort of tip I was wanting. Thanks.
Which gives me another idea, maybe instead of drilling a correspondingly gawdawful amount of holes I could find some sort of grid mesh material. Craft shops have all sorts for ... well, I don't know what they're for. Needlework or something I guess.

The only doubt I have is that shining light on you skin will cure anything. Let me know how that turns out.

I can let you know now - Brilliantly! One part is already fixed. With a lot of holding and timing. Which is why I want to streamline the remainder. It's a well proven therapy. Costs a fortune in private clinics for multiple sessions. At the hospital it's pretty much free. But they use an enormous fandangled machine with micro timers and the panel attached to an articulated arm that is positioned so that you can just relax and lay there.

Here's some specs just for your interests sake. Who knows, since you are an expert, maybe you or your family could find a use for one you make. Though I hope you don't need to!

BLUE 370 450 400 410/412/15 450 470 nm highly absorbed by epidermal melanin. Activates porphyrins that produces peroxide and destroys bacteria without causing damage to normal skin
RED at a wavelength of 660 nm penetrates tissue to a depth of 8-10 mm. Beneficial in treating problems close to the skin’s surface such as wounds, cuts, and scars. Skin layers, because of their high blood and water content, absorb red light and with the addition infrared light waves the technique readily delivers energy to stimulate a response from the body to heal itself.


Green and Amber are also used to refine the treatment. So there you go, probably more info than you needed, but one helpful tip deserves another, and if you ever do need some sort skin treatment, it's a beauty.

I often injure myself building. Hot angle grinders are particularly nasty out of control. (Just another tip in case you couldn't work that out)
...and thanks again for your trouble to reply.

 

BLUE 370 450 400 410/412/15 450 470 nm highly absorbed by epidermal melanin. Activates porphyrins that produces peroxide and destroys bacteria without causing damage to normal skin
RED at a wavelength of 660 nm penetrates tissue to a depth of 8-10 mm. Beneficial in treating problems close to the skin’s surface such as wounds, cuts, and scars. Skin layers, because of their high blood and water content, absorb red light and with the addition infrared light waves the technique readily delivers energy to stimulate a response from the body to heal itself.

Care to provide a link as to where you found all this phototherapy info?

 

'I very often misspell or miss things while making posts so come back and double check a few times.'
... Ditto, and the 10 projects!.

Re the therapy - I pulled it out of the zillion page PDF the hospital sent about my ongoing treatment after initial emergency. It had heaps of things I should do and even more reasons why I had to keep following up. At the time I was just glad I had all my bits and thought Yeah yeah. But then you forget the gratitude and start getting picky.
Been very tedious but I'm not too fussed, as long as it worked.

 

Just not anything I'm familiar with and just as with the copper bracelets I'm hesitant to believe much in the semi-medical world as there are so many out there selling miracle cures that really have no value at all. The theory is right but you can get the same thing from normal exposure to sunlight.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/499713 but it's hard to become a member there for some articles. I'll quote it here in a bit.

 

Seems you have some backing on this one but not anything I'd consider as strong:

[QUOTE:]

Several lamps that generate visible light, many of them using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), have recently found their way to the dermatologic armamentarium. Claims of their value in the treatment of a variety of conditions ranging from cosmetic (antiwrinkle) to acne, rosacea, and skin cancer are made to market them. The literature promoting these claims is limited and often questionable, however, dermatologists who own these units often report demand for their use, high customer satisfaction, and a sense that they deliver on their promises, despite a lack of clinical evidence from properly controlled studies. This article reviews promotional as well as relevant scientific literature (indexed on Medline) regarding LED-based devices and other units that deliver visible light at sub-intense fluences. Both types of literature were evaluated for their scientific validity of content. Photodynamic therapy used with exogenous photosensitizers such as aminolevulinic acid is beyond the scope of this review.

Blue light (407-420 nm) and red light (633- 660 nm) are promoted for the treatment of acne. They work by exciting high amounts of intracellular porphyrins naturally generated by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). These endogenous porphyrins (mainly coproporphyrin III[1]) photosensitize the bacterium and, upon illumination, result in the formation of singlet oxygen, which combines with cell membranes to destroy the P. acnes. This process is dependent on the rate of production of excited porphyrin molecules, which is influenced by the concentration of porphyrins, the concentration of photons, the temperature, and the wavelength of the photons.[2]

Blue light and blue-red combinations have demonstrated efficacy in mild to moderate inflammatory acne, having a physical modality comparable to treatment with topical clindamycin but inferior to benzoyl peroxide plus clindamycin.[3] The viability of 24-hour in vitro P. acnes cultures was reduced by four and five orders of magnitude after two and three illuminations, respectively, with intense blue light (407-420 nm).[4] In a randomized controlled trial evaluating the use of blue light (peak at 415 nm) and mixed blue and red light (peaks at 415 and 660 nm, respectively) in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris, a mean improvement of 76% in inflammatory lesions was achieved by the combination blue-red light phototherapy after 12 weeks of daily treatment. This result was statistically superior to that achieved by blue light at Weeks 4 and 8 ( p =0.02); benzoyl peroxide at Weeks 8 ( p =0.02) and 12 ( p =0.006); and white light at all assessments ( p <0.001)[5] (See Table 1 for sources of blue and red light).

The wound-healing process has been used in the rejuvenative model. This process consists of overlapping phases of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. During inflammation, neutrophils, leukocytes, monocytes, and/or macrophages migrate to the site of the wound; monocytes differentiate into phagocytic cells to phagocytose debris and secrete growth factors. Complement system proteins are activated, stimulating mast cell degranulation and attracting more neutrophils. Macrophages release platelet-derived growth factor, which stimulates the chemotaxis and proliferation of fibroblasts. Leukocytes and macrophages also secrete fibroblast growth factor, which promotes the recruitment and growth of more fibroblasts, establishing the proliferative phase of the wound-healing process.[6,7] Leukocyte numbers decrease, and macrophages begin to diminish slowly as fibroblast levels peak days later. The remodeling phase begins with a fall in the number of fibroblasts; active fibroblasts either differentiate into myofibroblasts or dedifferentiate into dormant fibrocytes. The fibroblast plays a key role in the dermis during the second and third phases: it not only synthesizes collagen and elastin but also regulates the homeostasis of the ground substance in addition to maintaining the collagen fibers. Myofibroblasts position themselves along collagen fibers and exert a longitudinal force that tightens and aligns the latter. Remodeling may take 3-6 months or longer. The end result is the deposition of new collagen fibers in a better organized cellular matrix accompanied by elastogenesis and angiogenesis. A layer of new, tightly-organized collagen runs below and is attached to the basement membrane of the dermoepidermal junction.

Red light (633 nm) may aid in effectively healing long-term torpid ulcers and may enhance angiogenesis in the rabbit ear chamber model.[8] Six hundred thirty-three nm light significantly stimulates a faster and better linearly-oriented monolayer formation of fibroblasts in vitro as compared with controls. It accelerates mast cell degranulation and increases the synthesis of fibroblast growth factor from photoactivated macrophage-like cells.[9,10] Irradiation with low-level narrowband 660 nm red light induced the release of growth factors from macrophages in vitro and significantly improved postoperative wounds in vivo.[11,12]

Red light, in the absence of a wound, may be beneficial as an antiaging therapy. Mast cells are always present in the dermis; 633 nm red light may have the same effect on them regardless of their involvement in the inflammatory process. The surrounding tissue recognizes this degranulation as inflammation, and so the wound healing process is jump-started. Visible yellow light (588 nm) may also be beneficial as antiaging therapy through mechanisms similar to the action of red light (see Gentlewaves, Light BioScience, LLC, Virgina Beach, VA; please see Table 1 for sources of red light).

The Omnilux system (Alderm, NA, LLC, Irvine, CA) uses a panel of 2000 focused diodes in interchangeable heads to deliver 408 nm blue or 633 nm red light. These two can be used alone or in sequence. The red module may be beneficial in aging via the preferential degranulation of mast cells; release of glucosamines, heparin (a glycosaminoglycan) and histamine, which induce vasodilatation; the "strengthening" of capillaries; increased tissue oxygenation; promoting epithelial remodeling; and stimulation of fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin. Glycosaminoglycans replace water between collagen and elastic fibers, firming the skin. The use of the blue and red modules concurrently is claimed to be beneficial in acne as the red light module targets deeper-seated lesions. Treatment usually consists of two sessions per week for 4 weeks. A typical session takes ≈20 minutes.

The Delphia del SOL (Edge Systems Corp., Signal Hill, CA) is a three-in-one system that combines microdermabrasion, lymphatic massage, and LED light therapy. The LEDs can emit light at 430 nm (blue), 600-700 nm (red), and 700-1000 nm (infrared) in a nonpulsed, continuous wave. The LEDs are positioned on two handpieces.

TheMax7(Flip4Inc.,Sainte-Julie,Quebec,Canada) unites LED technology with an automated robotized arm. It can deliver seven wavelengths of visible light, ranging from 420 nm to 700 nm. The manufacturers claim that each chosen wavelength has a customized modulation program that ensures maximum skin rejuvenation. It has seven programmed polychromatic treatments and seven programmed monochromatic treatments designed for various skin types and various skin treatments, respectively. Manufacturers recommend a minimum of six treatments for most common skin conditions.

The Medilite (Inner Act LLC, Reno, NV) system delivers 405 nm blue light for the treatment of acne and 627 nm red light for skin rejuvenation in a tabletop unit. The light modules are removable and interchangeable with mixable blue and red wavelengths. The red light module is used to increase new tissue growth, speed healing, stimulate collagen, and reduce lines and wrinkles. It incorporates a computerized controlpanel for ease of use.

Gentlewaves is marketed as a photomodulation device that uses low-intensity LEDs in a proprietary pulsed "code" as antiaging therapy. It delivers pulsed visible yellow light (588 nm ± 10 nm) from two contiguous LED panels. It is claimed to "energize" mitochondria, send cell signals to cell receptors, increase/decrease gene activity in DNA, and thus reverse the appearance of aging and photoaged skin. It incorporates a skin care kit designed to enhance and maintain the results of the treatment, which includes a cleanser, a daily facial lotion, a nightly facial lotion, and sunscreen. The effectiveness of this device is documented by histology exhibiting new collagen formulation, high resolution ultrasound, and PRIMOS digital surface profilometry.[13]

The LumiPhase-R system (OPUSMED Inc., Montreal, Canada) features 18 linear LED array modules that deliver high power density 660 nm visible red light for skin rejuvenation. It uses a proprietary sequential mode that is claimed to trigger significantly higher procollagen secretion vs. control in human reconstructed skin models. It also claims to improve skin roughness, depth of rhytides, skin tone, texture, pore size, dyspigmentation and erythema; pre-and posttreatment PRIMOS 3D-micro-topography was used for these measurements. It has an optical positioning system to ensure optimal placement of the LED modules.

The Revitalight system (Skincare Technology Inc., Chicago, IL) claims to be a safe and effective way to help diminish the visible appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots on the face, neck, and hands by promoting collagen firmness by using LED photo pulsation technology. It delivers four specific wavelengths of light (420 nm, 590 nm [yellow], 625 nm, and 940 nm [infrared]) via handheld "pulsators." It uses an optical lens to focus the LEDs.

[/QUOTE]

 

[CONT]

The Soli-Tone system (Silhouet-Tone, St. Albans, VT) is a two-in-one system that includes LumiLift and LumiFacial. LumiLift involves delivering 640 nm red LED light from handheld pieces placed on the skin. These pieces also deliver a "micronized current" and a "high-frequency polarized current" via electrodes placed in the handpieces. LumiFacial is comprised of a 400-LED panel situated above the skin. This panel can deliver four wavelengths of light: 470 nm, 525 nm (green), 590 nm, and 640 nm. It has a computerized control panel with preprogrammed treatments.

The level of evidence for the use of sub-intense fluences of visible light in dermatology is weak. As few randomized controlled trials have assessed the safety and efficacy of these devices, the dermatologist is left to infer the worthiness of incorporating LED-based technology from in vitro observations, anecdotal evidence, and commentaries appearing in trade (mostly non-peer-reviewed) publications.

The uncontrolled proliferation of services based on these devices at cosmetic/aesthetic locales where the personnel have little if any knowledge of dermatology and photobiology may be dangerous. Regulations that apply in many states to the use of lasers and intense pulsated light sources should be expanded to include these devices as the benefits (and risks) of their use in acne, rosacea, wound healing, aging, etc. (mostly medical diagnoses) relate to altering the structure and function of the skin, which constitutes the practice of medicine.

[/END] or $IBSYS if anybody here knows what that means.

 

Those flat metal things are called bus bars or buss bars. Depends on what country you are in. I like the idea of using a front mesh instead of drilling 200 holes. It just has to be tight enough weave to stop silicone leaks and loose enough to get the silicone to adhere to its backside. Using bus bars will eliminate a lot of wires but you must figure on adding a resistor in series with each LED or find LEDs that have internal current limiters AND the right wavelength.

Time to pick your LEDs and calculate your voltage and series/parallel circuits.

 

Those flat metal things are called bus bars or buss bars. Depends on what country you are in. I like the idea of using a front mesh instead of drilling 200 holes. It just has to be tight enough weave to stop silicone leaks and loose enough to get the silicone to adhere to its backside. Using bus bars will eliminate a lot of wires but you must figure on adding a resistor in series with each LED or find LEDs that have internal current limiters AND the right wavelength.

Time to pick your LEDs and calculate your voltage and series/parallel circuits.

Oh thankyou so much for all that advice about everything.
I'll be mesh searching in strange sewing shops immediately. I kinda like the hunt for something that is not made to purpose but fits the bill. Very satisfying. Except when the assistant asks what do you want it for, and you think... should I even start? Or you explain and you can see them glaze over and almost hear the wooshing sound over their heads as they're thinking hmm... loony.
At least I can confidently ask for bus bars in a purposed electronics shop and they'll know what I'm talking about now. Ah makes sense, like bus in computer terms? I build a few. More like mechano these days. Every little part color coded, including wiring thankfully. Was always the trickiest bit I found.
Ta again. I'll get back when I've got something that's sort of working and not too ugly and ridiculous (as I'm sure the first few will be)

 

Hint: Think about using solder wick for the buss, not too terribly expensive in a long roll.
If you dig around the internet enough you can probably find small braided cable even cheaper.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...opper+cable&aq=f&aqi=g1g-v3&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

 

Ah, ideas abounding ! Thanks so much, got nothing to lose to try a few versions. The search term is a great help. As my friend said without thinking the other day, which I thought was hysterical : "Google doesn't work. Um well, not if you don't know what you're talking about."