Light guide comb and method of manufacturing a light guide comb

Abstract

The application provides a light guide comb and a processing method thereof. The light guide comb comprises a plurality of strip-shaped parts, each of which extends in a longitudinal direction and forms a first curve protruding outward; and at least two bridge parts, each of which is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction and comprises a top curved part, two side curved parts and a connecting curved part in a circumferential direction to fix the plurality of strip-shaped parts together. The two ends of the side curved parts away from the top curved part oppositely form a first opening; in a transversely stretched state, the curvature of the connecting curved part is smaller than that in a natural state, the top curved part, the two side curved parts and the connecting curved part are formed by hot bending, so that when the deformation times of the light guide comb between the natural state and the transversely stretched state reach a first threshold, the change of the size of the first opening after returning to the natural state from the initial size is not more than a second threshold. Through suitable shape design and processing method, the light guide comb has certain mechanical properties while reducing processing difficulty and cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of transcranial light modulation technology, specifically to an optical comb and a method for processing the optical comb. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, transcranial phototherapy has been increasingly used as a non-invasive treatment method. Red or near-infrared light of a certain wavelength can penetrate the human skull and produce beneficial effects by stimulating cells, thereby achieving the purpose of treating brain function-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, mental illnesses, and traumatic diseases.

[0003] Transcranial light therapy (TCL) emits red or near-infrared light through a head-mounted device. However, the infrared light's penetration is hindered when hair is present between the scalp and the light source. This is especially true for dark hair, which strongly absorbs light, reducing the therapeutic effect. To address this, TCL devices are typically equipped with light guides. These guides the light emitted from the source to the scalp, then through the scalp and skull to reach the brain. The hair is then gathered into designated gaps by the guides, significantly increasing the light output to the brain.

[0004] Existing light guide combs still have many shortcomings. Some light guide combs with simple structures cannot effectively transmit light to the scalp, while light guide combs with good light guiding performance have complex structures and are usually manufactured using 3D printing. Such light guide combs are not only expensive but also have poor mechanical properties. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the issues of high cost and poor mechanical performance of current optical combs, this application provides an optical comb for a transcranial light modulation device. The optical comb includes: multiple strip-shaped portions extending longitudinally and forming a first bend bulging outwards; and at least two bridging portions spaced longitudinally and forming, circumferentially, a top bend, side bends, and a connecting bend connecting the top and side bends, to fix the multiple strip-shaped portions together, such that the strip-shaped portions are arranged side-by-side and spaced apart along the bridging portions. To allow deformation between the natural state and the lateral stretching state, in the natural state, the curvature of the connecting bend is not less than the curvature of the top bend and the two side bends, and the two side bends, far from the top bend, form a first opening relative to each other; in the lateral stretching state, the curvature of the connecting bend is smaller than that in the natural state, and the top bend, the two side bends, and the connecting bend are all formed by hot bending, so that after the optical comb deforms between the natural state and the lateral stretching state for a number of times, the size of the first opening after returning to the natural state does not exceed the second threshold compared to its initial size.

[0006] According to a second aspect of this application, an embodiment of this application provides a method for processing an optical comb, comprising: processing a first plate-shaped member, wherein the first plate-shaped member includes a plurality of strip portions, each strip portion extending longitudinally and forming a first bend bulging outwards; and at least two bridging portions fixing the plurality of strip portions together circumferentially, each bridging portion being spaced apart longitudinally, and each strip portion being arranged side-by-side and spaced apart along the bridging portions; heating the first plate-shaped member to a first preset temperature to soften the first plate-shaped member; placing the softened first plate-shaped member in a hot bending mold having a second preset temperature, such that the bridging portions bulge outwards, forming a top bend, side bends, and a connecting bend connecting the top bend and the side bends; and removing the first plate-shaped member from the hot bending mold after a first preset time.

[0007] The photoconductor comb of this application employs a suitable shape design and processing method, ensuring that the comb possesses certain mechanical properties and is easy to use, while significantly improving the effect of transcranial phototherapy. For example, the inclusion of at least two bridging sections allows the comb to maintain a certain width, ensuring sufficient transcranial light transmission to the scalp and enhancing the therapeutic effect. The different curvatures of the strip section and bridging sections, given the irregular circular shape of the human head, make the comb's shape more closely conform to the head's shape, further facilitating its use. Furthermore, the use of a hot-bending process gives the comb a certain degree of toughness, ensuring that even after normal use and a predetermined usage time, the first opening maintains a suitable size in its natural state, effectively improving the comb's mechanical properties while simultaneously reducing processing difficulty and costs.

[0008] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the description of the invention, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0009] The advantages and features of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and are used to understand this application, illustrate embodiments of the invention and their descriptions to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings,

[0011] Figure 1 A perspective view of an optical guide comb according to a first exemplary embodiment of this application is shown;

[0012] Figure 2A schematic diagram of the strip portion, bridging portion, and middle portion of an optical guide comb according to a second exemplary embodiment of this application is shown;

[0013] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the strip portion, bridging portion, and middle portion of the optical guide comb according to a third exemplary embodiment of this application is shown;

[0014] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the strip portion, bridging portion, and middle portion of the optical guide comb according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of this application is shown;

[0015] Figure 5 A flowchart of a processing method according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of this application is shown;

[0016] Figure 6 A flowchart of a processing method according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of this application is shown;

[0017] Figure 7 A flowchart of a processing method according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of this application is shown;

[0018] Figure 8 A perspective view of a first plate-like member according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of this application is shown;

[0019] Figure 9 It shows that according to Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the first plate-shaped member placed in a hot bending die according to the embodiment shown;

[0020] Figure 10 It shows that according to Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the first plate-shaped part placed on a shaping fixture after hot bending in the embodiment shown.

[0021] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0022] 100, Strip section; 110, Tapered section; 200, Bridging section; 210, Middle section; 310, Top curved section; 320, Side curved sections; 330, Connecting curved section; 400, First opening; 500, First plate-shaped part; 600, Hot bending die; 610, Upper die; 620, Lower die; 700, Shaping fixture; 710, Support section. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the following description, numerous details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the application, and that the application can be implemented without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion with this application, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described in detail.

[0024] This application provides a light guide comb for a transcranial light modulation device. The light guide comb may include multiple strips 100. When a subject wears the light guide comb, the multiple strips 100 can be inserted into the gaps in the subject's hair, such that the inner surface of the strip 100 is in close contact with the subject's scalp, while the outer surface is exposed outside the hair. As described above, the light guide comb is typically used in conjunction with a headgear, which is provided with a transcranial light emitting component that can emit transcranial light towards the subject's head. A portion of the transcranial light shines on the hair, passing through the hair, scalp, and skull to reach the brain, while another portion can shine on the outer surface of the strip 100, being conducted from the outer surface and passing through the scalp and skull to finally reach the brain. For ease of understanding, this application refers to the side closer to the subject's scalp as the inner side and the side farther from the scalp as the outer side.

[0025] Each strip 100 extends longitudinally and forms a first curve that bulges outward. The longitudinal direction is from the forehead to the back of the head when the light guide comb is worn on the subject's head. The longitudinal dimension of the strip 100 can be referred to as the length of the strip 100. Because the human head has a natural curvature, this first curve allows the inner surface of the strip 100 of the light guide comb to better conform to the scalp, minimizing gaps and preventing light from emanating from the inner surface and illuminating the hair instead of the entire scalp, thus effectively improving the transcranial phototherapy effect. The light guide comb may also include at least two bridging portions 200, each spaced apart longitudinally. Thus, the bridging portions 200 can securely bridge multiple strips 100 together, arranging them side-by-side and spaced apart along the bridging portions 200. This spacing of the strips 100 can accommodate the subject's hair. At least two bridging portions 200 may include a first bridging portion and a second bridging portion. In some embodiments, the first bridging portion and the second bridging portion may be respectively disposed at both ends of the plurality of strip portions 100. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the bridging portion is vertically connected to the plurality of strip portions 100. In embodiments not shown, the bridging portion and the plurality of strip portions may also be obliquely connected or wavy connected. In short, the bridging portion only needs to be able to stably connect to the plurality of strip portions.

[0026] Specifically, for example, in one exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of strip portions 100 has the same length, and the first bridging portion and the second bridging portion can extend along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and their projections on the horizontal plane formed by the longitudinal and transverse directions can be straight. In another embodiment, at least some of the strip portions 100 are shorter than the lengths of the other strip portions 100, and when the first bridging portion and the second bridging portion extend along the ends of the plurality of strip portions 100, the projection of at least one bridging portion on the horizontal plane can be a curve or a broken line. The first bridging portion and the second bridging portion being located at both ends of the plurality of strip portions 100 can give the optical comb sufficient strength, making it less prone to deformation due to aging after long-term use. The first bridging portion and the second bridging portion do not need to be flush with the ends of the plurality of strip portions 100; the ends of one or more of the plurality of strip portions 100 can extend beyond the first bridging portion and the second bridging portion. In some embodiments, the optical comb may also provide other bridging portions between the first bridging portion and the second bridging portion. In other embodiments, one or both of the first bridging portion and the second bridging portion may also be disposed in the middle portion of the plurality of strip portions 100.

[0027] At least two bridging portions 200 are circumferentially formed with a top bend 310, side bends 320, and a connecting bend 330 connecting the top bend 310 and the side bends 320. In its natural state, the curvature of the connecting bend 330 is not less than the curvature of the top bend 310 and the side bends 320, and the two ends of the side bends 320 away from the top bend 310 form a first opening 400. Preferably, the curvature of the connecting bend 330 is greater than the curvature of the top bend 310 and the side bends 320; in some embodiments, the curvature of the connecting bend 330 may also be close to the curvature of the top bend 310. The human head can be divided into the top and sides of the head, and the curvature of the top and sides of the head are different. To ensure the optical comb can adapt well to the subject's head, the shape of the bridging portion 200 can be adjusted. In most cases, the curvature of the connecting bend 330 is greater than that of the top bend 310 and the side bends 320, making the shapes of the top bend 310, connecting bend 330, and side bends 320 more suitable for the subject's head shape. However, in some cases, the curvature of the connecting bend 330 can be close to, or even equal to, the curvature of the top bend 310 to adapt to the shape of the human head. Since different subjects have different head sizes, primarily varying in head width and coronal arc, the optical comb is designed to deform between a natural state and a laterally stretched state. When the subject's head size is within the optical comb's adaptation range, the optical comb can elastically deform to ensure that the inner surfaces of its multiple strips 100 can adhere to the subject's scalp. When the object wears the light guide comb, the object's head can be located in the first opening 400, and the top curved part 310, the side curved parts 320 and the connecting curved part 330 can all undergo elastic deformation.

[0028] In the laterally stretched state, the curvature of the connecting bend 330 is smaller than in the natural state, resulting in a larger size for the first opening 400 of the optical guide comb. This allows it to adapt to objects with different head widths. Even for objects with head widths at the lower limit of the optical guide comb's adaptability range, the optical guide comb is in a laterally stretched state when worn, thus fitting snugly against the object's head. The top bend 310, the side bends 320, and the connecting bend 330 are all formed by heat bending. This not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also ensures the quality of the optical guide comb. After the optical guide comb undergoes a first threshold number of deformations between the natural and laterally stretched states, the change in size of the first opening 400 after returning to its natural state compared to its initial size does not exceed a second threshold.

[0029] The performance of an optical comb deteriorates due to factors such as environmental conditions and natural aging over time. The first opening (400mm) is difficult to return to its original size after lateral stretching. However, the lateral stretching that occurs with each wear of the comb has the greatest impact on its performance. Therefore, we will ignore the performance degradation caused by environmental factors and natural aging, focusing only on the performance degradation caused by wear.

[0030] In one specific embodiment, the optical guide comb can be adapted to an object with a head width of approximately 151mm (the average head width of Chinese women). To ensure a close fit to the head, the first opening 400 can be configured to be 141mm in its natural state and can also adapt to an object with a head width of 181mm. When worn on the head, the optical guide comb is subjected to lateral stretching. Based on the frequency of daily use, the theoretical lifespan of the optical guide comb can be determined according to a first threshold of the number of deformations. In one specific embodiment, the optical guide comb can be stretched laterally to the maximum size (i.e., the aforementioned 181mm). Stretching the optical guide comb from its natural state to its maximum size, maintaining it for a predetermined time, and then relaxing it to return to its natural state—these three steps can be considered as one deformation of the optical guide comb. Under normal use, the aforementioned stretching of the optical guide comb from its natural state to its maximum size is usually not met. Therefore, in actual use, the number of deformations required for the size of the first opening 400 after returning to its natural state to reach the second threshold compared to its initial size is usually greater than the experimentally obtained first threshold. The predetermined time can be the same as the duration of normal use, or can be reasonably set according to experimental needs. For example, when the optical comb meets the first threshold of 1500 deformation cycles, the size of the first opening 400 after returning to its natural state can be 145mm. After exceeding this number of deformation cycles, the size of the first opening 400 in its natural state further increases. When worn on a person's head, due to the reduced deformation, the elasticity decreases, making it easy to slip off the head, or a gap may form between the inner surface of the strip 100 and the scalp after wearing. It should be noted that the specific number of cycles and sizes mentioned above are merely examples for ease of understanding and do not limit the performance of the optical comb of this application.

[0031] In summary, the photocomb of this application employs a suitable shape design and processing method, ensuring that the photocomb possesses certain mechanical properties and is easy to use, while significantly improving the effect of transcranial phototherapy. For example, the inclusion of at least two bridging sections allows the photocomb to maintain a certain width, ensuring sufficient transcranial light transmission to the scalp and enhancing the therapeutic effect. The different curvatures of the strip section and bridging sections, given the irregular circular shape of the human head, make the photocomb's shape more closely conform to the head's shape, making it easier to use. The use of a hot-bending process gives the photocomb a certain degree of toughness, ensuring that even after normal use and following the prescribed usage procedure, its first opening maintains a suitable size in its natural state, effectively improving the photocomb's mechanical properties. Therefore, when worn on the subject's head, it has sufficient elasticity, preventing it from falling off due to excessive looseness or having excessive gaps that could affect the treatment effect.

[0032] For example, the first threshold is not less than 100 times, and the second threshold is not greater than 20 mm. Specifically, the first threshold can be 500, 1000, 1500, or 2500 times, and the second threshold can be 5 mm, 10 mm, etc. It is easy to understand that, with the same second threshold, the more times the optical comb can deform, the better its mechanical properties. Conversely, with the same first threshold, the smaller the second threshold, the higher the requirements for the mechanical properties of the optical comb. Better mechanical properties typically lead to higher design, processing, and material costs for the optical comb. However, in this application, each curved portion is processed using a hot bending process, which effectively reduces processing difficulty and costs while ensuring mechanical properties.

[0033] For example, in its natural state, the curvature of the top bend 310 is greater than the curvature of the first bend. In other words, the portion corresponding to the top bend 310 of the optical guide comb has a smaller curvature along the longitudinal direction than along the transverse direction. This allows it to fit the corresponding area of ​​a typical object's head. Similarly, the curvature of the side bends 320 is smaller than the curvature of the first bend. Thus, this portion of the optical guide comb can fit well into the part of the head near the temples.

[0034] For example, under lateral tension, the curvature change of the top bend 310 on the side adjacent to the connecting bend 330 is greater than the curvature change on the side away from the connecting bend 330. During lateral tension, the curvature of the top bend 310 is smaller, so the direction of the external force is almost parallel to the middle position of the top bend 310. This means that most of the external force applies tension to the bridging portion 200, while only a small component bends it. The top bend 310 connects to the connecting bend 330 at its middle positions, and the angle between the top bend 310 and the direction of the external force gradually increases, meaning that most of the external force bends the top bend 310 on the side adjacent to the connecting bend 330. The bridging portion 200 has a stronger resistance to tension than to bending, and the thickness difference between these two locations is not significant. This results in a larger change in curvature of the top bend 310 adjacent to the connecting bend 330 under the same external force.

[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, each strip portion 100 has a tapered portion 110 formed on one side in the longitudinal direction, and each tapered portion 110 is exposed on the same side of the bridging portion 200. In another exemplary embodiment, each strip portion 100 has tapered portions 110 formed on both sides in the longitudinal direction, and each tapered portion 110 is exposed on both sides of the bridging portion 200. In some embodiments, the width of the strip portion 100 in the longitudinal direction may be uniform, with a tapered portion 110 forming only at the end. In other embodiments, the width of the strip portion 100 in the longitudinal direction may gradually increase or gradually decrease, and a tapered portion 110 is formed at the end. Here, the width refers to the dimension of the strip portion 100 in the circumferential direction, and the dimension from the inner surface to the outer surface of the strip portion 100 may be referred to as the thickness of the strip portion 100. When the optical guide comb is worn on the head of the recipient, it can be inserted from the forehead or neck, where the hair is relatively sparse, and pushed to the designated position in the longitudinal direction while conforming to the scalp. The tapered section 110 can be inserted into the gaps in the hair, separating and guiding the hair to both sides of the strip section 100 during the pushing process. If the end of the strip section 100 forms a large step perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the step will press against and pull the hair during the pushing process, causing discomfort to the subject. The narrowed width can prevent the end of the strip section 100 from forming a large step. The light guide comb has a first side facing the forehead and a second side facing the back of the head. If the wearing direction is reversed, it will cause discomfort to the subject, and the inner surface of the strip section 100 will be difficult to fit against the scalp, resulting in a poor treatment effect. When the light guide comb is worn in the correct direction, the tapered section 110 on one side of the strip section 100 in the longitudinal direction allows the light guide comb to be inserted into the subject's hair in the longitudinal direction from one of the aforementioned positions, either the forehead or the neck, and can play a directional role. The tapered sections 110 on both sides allow the light guide comb to be inserted into the subject's hair from either of the aforementioned two locations.

[0036] For example, the first bend can be formed by injection molding. Since the curvature of the first bend is small and the thickness of the strip 100 is large, forming the first bend by injection molding can reduce manufacturing difficulty and cost. The light guide comb manufactured using injection molding and hot bending processes has many advantages over light guide combs manufactured by other processes (such as 3D printing), including lower cost, better performance, and higher production speed.

[0037] For example, the light guide comb should have a transmittance of at least 80% for near-infrared light with wavelengths in the 650-1100 nm range. The light guide comb can be made of polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, acrylic) to achieve high transparency while allowing for heat bending processes and meeting the aforementioned mechanical properties. High transparency ensures that the transmittance of near-infrared light remains within a high range, reducing light loss before the transcranial light enters the scalp, minimizing discomfort caused by heat, and improving the therapeutic effect at the same light power.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, the light guide comb initially achieves a transparency of approximately 90%, with a near-infrared light transmittance exceeding 90%. Within one year, the transparency remains above 80%. Without sunlight or ultraviolet radiation, it will not yellow for at least one year of use, ensuring a near-infrared light transmittance of over 80% for wavelengths between 650-1100nm, particularly for near-infrared light with a center wavelength of 810nm. Furthermore, the light guide comb of this application is more durable and impact-resistant than those made using 3D printing.

[0039] By way of example, the bridging portion 200 fixes the outer sides of a plurality of strip portions 100 together and has intermediate portions 210 located between adjacent strip portions 100, each intermediate portion 210 being configured to be bent along the arrangement direction of the plurality of strip portions 100. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments shown, the inner surface of the middle portion 210 may be flush with the outer surface of the strip portion 100 at the location of the unconnected bridging portion 200. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the outer surface of the middle portion 210 can be substantially flush with the adjacent surface of the bridging portion 200. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the outer surface of the intermediate portion 210 may also protrude outwards from the adjacent surface of the bridging portion 200 to ensure the strength of the intermediate portion 210. Figure 4In other embodiments shown, the inner surface of the middle portion 210 may be closer to the inside than the outer surface of the strip portion 100 at the location where it is not connected to the bridging portion 200, so that the bridging portion 200 is connected through the multiple strip portions 100. Regardless of the embodiment, the thickness of the strip portion 100 is greater than the thickness of the middle portion 210. In one specific embodiment, the thickness of each strip portion 100 is 8 mm, and the thickness of the middle portion 210 is 1.5 mm. The thickness of the strip portion 100 referred to here is the distance from the inner surface to the outer surface of the strip portion 100 at the location where it is not connected to the bridging portion 200. During heating, the thinner size of the middle portion 210 ensures that it quickly reaches the preset temperature from the inside to the outside, thus being sufficiently flexible during hot bending. The greater thickness of the strip portion 100 ensures sufficient rigidity during hot bending, preventing severe deformation.

[0040] Another aspect of this application provides a method for processing an optical comb, which may specifically include, as follows: Figure 5 The following steps are shown.

[0041] Step S1: Machining the first plate-shaped part 500, the structure of the first plate-shaped part 500 is as follows Figure 8 As shown. The first plate-shaped member 500 includes a plurality of strip portions 100, each strip portion 100 extending longitudinally and forming a first bend that bulges outward; and at least two bridging portions 200 that circumferentially bridge the plurality of strip portions 100 together, each bridging portion 200 being spaced apart longitudinally, and each strip portion 100 being arranged side by side and spaced apart along the bridging portions 200;

[0042] Step S2: Heat the first plate-shaped piece 500 to a first preset temperature to soften the first plate-shaped piece 500.

[0043] Step S3: Place the softened first plate-shaped part into a hot bending mold with a second preset temperature, so that the bridging part 200 bulges outward to form a connecting bending part including a top bending part, two side bending parts, and a connecting bending part that connects the top bending part and the two side bending parts.

[0044] Step S4: After the first preset time, remove the first plate-shaped part from the hot bending mold.

[0045] The first plate-shaped component 500 can be manufactured through processes such as machining, injection molding, and die molding, and it needs to be made of thermoplastic material. Because the required bending radius is large, the first plate-shaped component 500 is heated to a first preset temperature before the force required for hot bending is applied, thus softening it sufficiently to prevent breakage or cracking during hot bending. In an exemplary embodiment, the first preset temperature can be set between 150°C and 200°C. During the hot bending process, a hot bending die heated to a second preset temperature can prevent the first plate-shaped component from cooling and hardening due to contact with the die, preventing breakage or cracking of the first plate-shaped component during or after hot bending.

[0046] In other words, since the first plate-shaped part 500 that needs to be hot-bent is not a sheet material, but rather a grid-like structure with uneven wall thickness, the heating during hot bending is usually uneven as well. Therefore, the temperature control requirements are high during the hot bending process, and the hot bending die also needs to be heated.

[0047] For example, the first preset time is not less than 30 seconds. This ensures that at least the areas of the different first plate-shaped members 500 that need to be bent reach the first preset temperature from the surface to the interior, thus softening them sufficiently.

[0048] For example, the deviation of the second preset temperature from the first preset temperature is less than or equal to 30%. In the embodiment where the first preset temperature is set between 150°C and 200°C, the second preset temperature can be set between 105°C and 260°C, and preferably, the second preset temperature is selected between 170°C and 180°C.

[0049] For example, the first sheet-like part 500 is manufactured by injection molding. Injection molding can be applied to thermoplastic plastics and has the advantages of low cost and high production speed. The first sheet-like part 500 can be directly manufactured by injection molding, and the first sheet-like part 500 can have a relatively complex shape.

[0050] For example, a hot bending die may include an upper die and a lower die, the lower die having a curved upper surface and the upper die having a curved lower surface, both the upper and lower surfaces having a top curved portion, side curved portions and a connecting curved portion connecting the top curved portion and the side curved portions.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, the step of placing the softened first plate-shaped part into a hot bending mold with a second preset temperature specifically includes:

[0052] Step S31: Place the softened first plate-shaped piece between the upper mold and the lower mold, with the first curved opening facing the lower mold.

[0053] In step S32, the upper mold and the lower mold are closed, so that the lower surface of the upper mold is attached to the upper surface of the first plate-shaped part, and the lower surface of the first plate-shaped part is attached to the upper surface of the lower mold.

[0054] like Figure 9 As shown, the upper die 610 and lower die 620 of the hot bending die 600 can apply uniform and appropriate pressure to the first plate-shaped piece 500', so that the lower surface of the first plate-shaped piece 500' has a shape that matches the upper surface of the lower die 620, and the upper surface has a shape that matches the lower surface of the upper die 610.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, exemplarily, the processing method further includes:

[0056] Step S5: Place the first plate-shaped part taken out of the hot bending mold onto the shaping fixture to cool.

[0057] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the shaping fixture 700 may include two support portions 710 with adjustable spacing. The first plate-shaped member 500” after hot bending can form a bridging portion 200 with opposing curved portions on both sides. The two support portions 710 can be respectively supported on the surface of the strip portion 100 inside the curved portions on both sides. By adjusting the spacing of the two support portions 710, the size of the first opening of the final light guide comb can be changed. The first opening can be adjusted by the shaping fixture 700, which can reduce the dimensional accuracy requirements of the hot bending die. In some embodiments, the spacing of the two support portions 710 of the shaping fixture 700 is fixed. During the cooling process of the first plate-shaped member 500”, the material shrinks. The fixed spacing of the two support portions 710 by the shaping fixture 700 can prevent the first opening size of the light guide comb from being smaller than the design size due to cooling shrinkage. Of course, the shaping fixture 700 may include only one support part 710, or two or more support parts 710, as long as it can fix the corresponding part of the first plate-shaped piece 500” taken out from the hot bending die. On the shaping fixture 700, the first plate-shaped piece 500” taken out from the hot bending die can be cooled naturally or assisted by cooling, such as by blowing cold air.

[0058] For example, the raw material can be dried before the injection molding process. Taking PC material as an example, which has strong water absorption, the moisture content of the dried raw material is less than 0.05%. The drying temperature is in the range of 110-120°C, and the drying time is in the range of 4-6 hours. Drying can prevent defects such as silver streaks and bubbles from occurring during injection molding.

[0059] For example, the injection molding process has one or more of the following technical parameters:

[0060] The temperature of the raw material cylinder is in the range of 250-320℃;

[0061] The temperature of the nozzle that injects the raw material into the injection mold is in the range of 240-250℃;

[0062] The temperature of the injection mold is in the range of 60-180℃;

[0063] The injection pressure of the nozzle is in the range of 70-140 MPa; and

[0064] The holding pressure inside the injection mold is 40%-60% of the injection pressure.

[0065] Higher mold and barrel temperatures result in better surface gloss and reduced internal stress in the finished product. Medium to slightly higher injection speeds are recommended; too fast a speed may cause trapped air, while too slow a speed may lead to insufficient filling.

[0066] For example, prior to heating the first plate-shaped part to a first preset temperature, the processing method further includes annealing the first plate-shaped part. The annealing temperature is in the range of 120-130°C, and the annealing time is in the range of 2-4 hours. Annealing can eliminate internal stress, resulting in a higher yield rate during subsequent hot bending processes.

[0067] Thus, the processing method of the light guide comb provided in this application embodiment ensures that the light guide comb has certain mechanical properties and can significantly improve the transcranial phototherapy effect. For example, by setting at least two bridging parts, the light guide comb can maintain a certain width and mechanical strength, making it easy to use and ensuring sufficient transcranial light transmission to the scalp, thereby improving the transcranial phototherapy effect. The bridging parts processed by the hot bending process have different bends. Since the human head is an irregular circle, by setting different bends, the shape of the light guide comb is made to better fit the shape of the human head, making it more convenient to use. The hot bending process also gives the light guide comb a certain degree of toughness, ensuring that under normal usage frequency and after a predetermined period of use according to the normal usage procedure, its first opening can still maintain a suitable size in its natural state, effectively improving the mechanical properties of the light guide comb while also effectively reducing processing difficulty and cost.

[0068] Note that the temperature range mentioned herein is intended to indicate a range within ±(5°C to 10°C). This application does not limit the specific temperature range; the temperature is sufficient to process the material to the desired state during use.

[0069] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", and "bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0070] For ease of description, relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," and "above" are used here to describe the regional positional relationship of one or more components or features shown in the figures to other components or features. It should be understood that relative terms include not only the orientation of the component as depicted in the figure but also different orientations during use or operation. For example, if the components in the figures are inverted as a whole, "above" or "above other components or features" will include cases where the component is "below" or "under" other components or features. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." Furthermore, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document intends to include all such cases.

[0071] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0072] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar subjects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0073] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the scope of the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A light guide comb for a transcranial light modulation device, characterized in that, The optical guide comb includes: Multiple strip-shaped portions, each extending longitudinally and forming a first curve that bulges outwards; and At least two bridging portions are provided, each bridging portion being spaced apart longitudinally and forming a connecting bend along the circumference, including a top bend, side bends, and a connecting bend connecting the top bend and side bends, to fix and bridge multiple strip portions together, such that the strip portions are arranged side-by-side and spaced apart along the bridging portions. The optical comb is designed to deform between its natural state and its laterally stretched state. In its natural state, the curvature of the connecting bend is not less than the curvature of the top bend and the two side bends, and the two side bends form a first opening opposite each other at their ends away from the top bend; Under lateral tension, the curvature of the connecting bend is smaller than that in its natural state. The top curved portion, the two side curved portions, and the connecting curved portion are all formed by hot bending, so that after the number of deformations of the optical comb between the natural state and the lateral stretching state reaches the first threshold, the change in the size of the first opening after it returns to the natural state compared with its initial size does not exceed the second threshold.

2. The optical guide comb according to claim 1, characterized in that, In its natural state, the curvature of the top bend is greater than the curvature of the first bend, and the curvature of the two side bends is less than the curvature of the first bend.

3. The optical comb according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the lateral stretching state, the curvature change on the side of the top bend adjacent to the connecting bend is greater than the curvature change on the other side away from the connecting bend.

4. The optical comb according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each strip has a tapered portion on one side in the longitudinal direction, and each of the tapered portions is exposed on the same side of the bridging portion; or, Each strip has tapered portions on both sides in the longitudinal direction, and each tapered portion is exposed on both sides of the bridging portion.

5. The optical comb according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first bend is formed by injection molding.

6. The optical comb according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bridging portion fixes the outer sides of the plurality of strip portions together and has an intermediate portion located between adjacent strip portions, each intermediate portion being configured to be curved along the arrangement direction of the plurality of strip portions; The thickness of the strip portion is greater than the thickness of the middle portion.

7. The optical comb according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The optical comb has a transmittance of at least 80% for near-infrared light with wavelengths in the range of 650-1100 nm.

8. The optical comb according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first threshold is not less than 100 times, and the second threshold is not greater than 20 mm.

9. A method for processing an optical comb, characterized in that, include: Processing a first plate-shaped component, wherein the first plate-shaped component includes a plurality of strip-shaped portions and at least two bridging portions that fix the plurality of strip-shaped portions together circumferentially, each strip-shaped portion extends longitudinally and forms a first bend that bulges outward, each bridging portion is spaced apart longitudinally, and each strip-shaped portion is arranged side by side and spaced apart along the bridging portions. The first plate-shaped member is heated to a first preset temperature to soften the first plate-shaped member; The softened first plate is placed in a hot bending mold with a second preset temperature, so that the bridging part bulges outward to form a connecting bending part including a top bending part, two side bending parts and connecting the top bending part and the two side bending parts. After a first preset time, the first plate-shaped part is removed from the hot bending mold.

10. The processing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first plate-shaped part is manufactured by injection molding.

11. The processing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The deviation of the second preset temperature from the first preset temperature is less than or equal to 30%.

12. The processing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The hot bending die includes an upper die and a lower die. The lower die has a curved upper surface, and the upper die has a curved lower surface. Both the upper surface and the lower surface have a top curved portion, two side curved portions, and a connecting curved portion that connects the top curved portion and the two side curved portions. The step of placing the softened first plate-shaped part into a hot bending mold with a second preset temperature specifically includes: The softened first plate-shaped piece is placed between the upper mold and the lower mold, with the first curved opening facing the lower mold. The upper mold and the lower mold are joined together, such that the lower surface of the upper mold is attached to the upper surface of the first plate-shaped member, and the lower surface of the first plate-shaped member is attached to the upper surface of the lower mold.

13. The processing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The processing method further includes: The first plate-shaped piece removed from the hot bending die is placed on a shaping fixture to cool.

14. The processing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first preset temperature is selected between 150°C and 200°C, and the first preset time is not less than 30 seconds.

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