Eye Steam Generator for Near Triad and Dry Eye Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vision improving devices are ineffective in addressing the near triad, which includes reduction of accommodation, pupillary response, and convergence response abnormalities, and do not adequately alleviate dry eye conditions caused by meibomian gland obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A heat and steam generator designed to apply heat and steam to a broad area including the eyes and its surroundings, using a holder with a heat and steam generating member that contains an oxidizable metal, allowing steam to permeate and warm the muscles and meibomian glands, thereby improving blood circulation and tear film formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vision improving device releases steam at controlled temperature, then accommodation muscle function is improved, but the device is ineffective for addressing the complete near triad and dry eye conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with multiple functions: it generates heat through oxidizable metal oxidation, generates steam by heating water, allows steam permeation to treat dry eye, and maintains skin temperature for extended periods. This multi-functional design enables comprehensive treatment of near triad responses and dry eye conditions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the steam generation function from the heat generation function, with the holder containing both oxidizable metal for heat generation and water for steam generation. The holder also incorporates a steam permeable portion that allows selective steam transmission to the eye area, enabling targeted treatment
2Duration of action of moving object
If steam generation duration is extended, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the physical state of water from liquid to vapor through controlled heating, extending steam generation duration by maintaining optimal temperature parameters. The oxidizable metal provides sustained heat generation, and the holder design maintains thermal efficiency to prolong steam generation without proportional energy increase
Solution Approach 2:
The oxidizable metal automatically oxidizes to generate heat, which self-heats the water to produce steam. This self-sustaining system extends steam generation duration without requiring external energy input, as the chemical energy stored in the oxidizable metal is converted to thermal energy and then to steam
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 effectively improves near triad responses and alleviates dry eye symptoms by maintaining skin surface temperature and promoting normal lipid secretion from meibomian glands, enhancing accommodation, pupillary response, and convergence, while extending the duration of steam generation and skin temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a heat and steam generating member (11) containing an oxidizable metal
Implementation Method 2
allowing steam generated by the heat and steam generating member (11) to pass therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5(a)~5(b)
AI summary
A heat and steam generator 10 for eye application has a heat and steam generating member 11 making use of oxidative reaction of an oxidizable metal and is adapted to supply steam to eyes and surroundings. The heat and steam generator 10 is adapted to release steam from its side brought into contact with eyes and surroundings for a period of 1 to 30 minutes to maintain the skin surface temperature to which it is applied at 34°C to 43°C over a period of 1 to 120 minutes. The heat and steam generator 10 has a stiffness of 0.01 to 10 N/7 cm-width. The heat and steam generator is effective in improving near triad causing reduction in vision.