Dry Eye Mask With Adjustable Strap And Gel Pack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for dry and irritated eyes, such as artificial tears and moisture chamber glasses, are either expensive, uncomfortable, or ineffective in providing long-lasting relief due to poor fit and limited therapeutic benefits.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flexible polymeric mask that forms a treatment cavity around the eyes, controlling humidity and temperature, and allowing for the application of medication, using gel packs that can be heated or cooled for enhanced therapeutic benefits, providing a comfortable and secure fit through a strap system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If moisture chamber glasses are custom-made to fit individual faces, then the seal and comfort are improved, but the cost becomes prohibitively expensive and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a moisture chamber mask with an adjustable strap system that can accommodate various face shapes and sizes. Instead of custom-making each device, the universal design allows one mask structure to serve multiple users with different facial geometries through adjustable straps, achieving reliable seal without custom fitting complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an adjustable strap system that allows users to dynamically adjust the fit and tension of the mask according to their individual face shape. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the static mask structure to adapt to different users, achieving reliable seal without requiring custom-made devices for each user
2Ease of operation
If artificial tears are used frequently to relieve dry eye symptoms, then the comfort is improved, but the cost increases and natural tear production may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using heat and moisture therapy to pre-treat the eyes and surrounding areas before artificial tear application. The thermal and humid environment in the sealed chamber softens debris, improves circulation, and prepares the eye surface, thereby reducing the frequency and quantity of artificial tears needed for effective symptom relief
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heat and moisture as intermediary agents that mediate between the user and the artificial tears. The thermal and humid environment acts as an intermediate treatment layer that addresses the underlying causes of dry eye (poor circulation, debris accumulation) before artificial tears are applied, reducing dependency on frequent artificial tear use
3Reliability
If punctal occlusion is performed to treat dry eye, then the tear retention is improved, but the invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical punctal occlusion procedure (physical blocking of tear ducts) with a thermal and humid environmental approach. The heated, sealed chamber creates a controlled microclimate that reduces tear evaporation and improves tear film stability without requiring physical intervention in the tear drainage system, achieving tear retention without invasiveness
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 device offers immediate and long-lasting relief for dry and irritated eyes by maintaining humidity, promoting tear health, and allowing for the controlled application of heat or cold, enhancing comfort and therapeutic effectiveness compared to existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosed device further provides a temperature component employable to communicate either heated or cooled temperatures to the eyes
Implementation Method 2
maintaining humidity, promoting tear health... limit evaporation of natural and/or artificial tears
Data Source
AI summary
A dry eye treatment device is provided having a mask defining a treatment cavity which is positionable on a face of a user over the eyes. A temperature altering pack such as a gel pack is positionable within the treatment cavity and a fabric cover may surround the gel pack and have medication absorbed or placed upon the fabric material.