Therapeutic Eye Cover with Phase Change Material and Porous Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapeutic eye and eyelid covers are inadequate in enhancing tear quality, as they fail to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels consistently, leading to condensation and potential microbial contamination.
Innovation Solution
An eye and eyelid cover with a hot liquid reservoir, phase change material, and a porous plug mechanism to regulate temperature and humidity, preventing condensation and ensuring consistent heat transfer and humidification, while allowing for various heating methods and component configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If hot liquid is used to heat the eye and eyelid cover, then temperature maintenance is improved, but condensation occurs on the viewing windows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change material (PCM) that transitions between solid and liquid states at a specific temperature range (e.g., melting point around 30-35°C). The PCM absorbs excess heat from the hot liquid reservoir through melting, preventing the viewing windows from becoming too hot and causing condensation, while simultaneously maintaining the therapeutic temperature on the eyelid. This phase transition mechanism automatically regulates temperature without active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing windows are treated with hydrophobic coating or heated independently through integrated heating elements to create a thermal barrier that prevents condensation formation on the cold surface, while the PCM and hot liquid reservoir maintain therapeutic heat on the eyelid through controlled heat transfer pathways.
2Temperature
If the eye and eyelid cover is sealed to prevent evaporation, then heat transfer to covered tissue is enhanced, but microbial contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sterilization through UV-C LED illumination integrated into the device structure. The UV light continuously disinfects the internal surfaces and any liquid that enters the sealed chamber, maintaining a sterile environment throughout the treatment period while the seal remains closed to preserve heat and humidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed chamber is flushed with sterile saline solution or medical-grade alcohol that creates a sterile liquid barrier, preventing microbial contamination while allowing controlled heat and moisture transfer to the eyelid tissue. The liquid barrier also prevents direct contact between external contaminants and the internal therapeutic environment.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different treatment conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a reusable housing with integrated viewing windows and UV sterilization, removable PCM cartridges in different quantities and types, interchangeable reservoir caps for different heating methods (microwave-safe, induction-compatible, electric heating), and adjustable sealing mechanisms. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce standardized base units while allowing customization through accessory variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The base device housing is designed with universal interfaces that accommodate multiple heating methods through different reservoir configurations, various PCM types for different temperature requirements, and adjustable sealing levels. The integrated UV sterilization and temperature sensing systems work across all configuration variations, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized devices.
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 solution effectively maintains a stable temperature and humidity environment, enhancing tear quality by preventing condensation and reducing microbial growth, with flexible design options for heating and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
This hot liquid as well as maintaining the temperature of the device for treatment crucially heats the viewing windows preventing condensation on the surface of the inner window
Implementation Method 2
The phase change material (PCM) is a wax that changes its physical state and has the latent heat characteristics capable of moderating the temperature of the device at any stage of use
Implementation Method 3
The phase change material (PCM) is a wax that changes its physical state and has the latent heat characteristics capable of moderating the temperature of the device
Implementation Method 4
at least one mechanism such as a porous plug, aperture, or membrane, or other means of permitting the flow of water or water vapour from the reservoir into the space between the cover and the eyes
Data Source
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AI summary
An eye and eyelid cover includes a pair of spaced viewing windows between which, in use, a reservoir of hot water is contained, and a compartment within which a phase change material is contained, the phase change material being molten at the initial temperature of the hot water and solidifying during cooling of the hot water whilst a treatment procedure is being carried out.