Adjustable Eyecup Headset for Painless Ocular Microcurrent Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for age-related macular degeneration, such as electrical stimulation using extraocular electrodes, are often painful and inefficient, and do not effectively address the needs of users with varying facial topographies.
Innovation Solution
A microcurrent headset unit with adjustable electrically conductive eyecups that transmit therapeutic microcurrents directly to the eyelids, eliminating the need for direct eye or head contact and accommodating different facial shapes, using a rechargeable power source and adjustable mounting for comfort and efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extraocular electrodes are placed directly against the scleral surfaces or on the orbicularis oculi region, then electrical stimulation can be delivered to treat AMD, but the treatment becomes painful and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the eyelid as an intermediary structure between the electrode and the eye. Instead of placing electrodes directly on the sclera or orbicularis oculi, the conductive eyecups contact the eyelid skin, which serves as a mediator to deliver microcurrent through the eyelid tissue to the underlying eye structures, thereby reducing pain while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact parameter from direct eye/sclera contact to eyelid contact. By modifying the location and method of electrode application, the system achieves more comfortable treatment while maintaining therapeutic efficacy through the eyelid as a conductive pathway
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed eyecups are used for electrical stimulation, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate users of varying facial topographies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed eyecup design into a dynamic, adjustable system. Each eyecup incorporates multiple adjustment mechanisms including antero-posterior movement along the sagittal plane and medio-lateral movement along the coronal plane, allowing the device to adapt to different facial geometries while maintaining simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The eyecup assembly is segmented into independently adjustable components. Each eyecup can be adjusted separately in multiple directions, and the mounting mechanism allows for modular adjustment without requiring complex integrated structures, thereby achieving adaptability while controlling device complexity
3Ease of operation
If bulky battery packs and external computers are used for power and control, then the system has sufficient power and control capabilities, but the device becomes large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the power source, control circuitry, and other system components are integrated within the compact headset unit structure. The battery and electronic components are housed within the same enclosure as the eyecups and mounting mechanisms, creating a space-efficient nested arrangement that maintains adequate power capacity while minimizing overall device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power source, control functions, and treatment delivery components into a single integrated headset unit. By combining what would traditionally be separate bulky components (battery pack, computer, electrode holder) into one unified device, the system achieves sufficient power and control capabilities while improving portability and ease of operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The microcurrent headset provides effective and comfortable treatment for macular degeneration by healing damaged cells and activating surviving nerve cells, improving central visual acuity without the pain and inefficiencies of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
electrically conductive eyecups that contact the palpebra cutanea of the user's upper and lower eyelid flaps to transmit therethrough a therapeutic microcurrent
Data Source
AI summary
Presented are electrical microcurrent systems for treating ocular diseases, methods for making/using such microcurrent systems, and wearable microcurrent devices for treatment of macular degeneration. A microcurrent system for treating an ocular disease includes a mounting support, e.g., that mounts inside a housing shell of a microcurrent headset unit. Mounted onto the mounting support, e.g., inside the housing shell, are a power source that stores and dispenses electrical power, and a system controller that electrically connects to and controls the electrical output of the power source. A pair of electrically conductive eyecups is attached to the mounting support and electrically connected to the power source to receive therefrom an electrical microcurrent. Each eyecup may be a single-piece structure that includes a pair of terminal rails projecting from respective sides of a longitudinal end of an elongated pedestal. The terminal rails are shaped and sized to contact an eyelid of a user.