Eyeglass-Frame Electrode Layout for Comfortable Ocular Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative and improved wearable medical devices that provide electrical therapy directly to the eyes and surrounding tissues, offering enhanced comfort, wearability, and predictability while allowing for non-therapy activities, with existing devices having limitations in design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a frame, electrodes, and a control circuit that delivers electrical signals to the eyes, featuring adjustable electrodes, a rechargeable power source, and a design that allows for comfortable wear and easy use, including options such as electrodes on the eyelid, forehead, and earpieces, enabling monopolar or bipolar therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical therapy devices are designed to provide therapy directly to the eye structures, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but device comfort and wearability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the frame into multiple components (front piece, arms, earpieces) with electrodes distributed across different segments. This allows therapy delivery to multiple locations (eyelid, temple, ear) simultaneously while distributing the device's physical presence, improving both effectiveness and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, positions electrodes against the eye and surrounding areas, and acts as a wearable element that can be worn like eyeglasses. This multi-functionality improves comfort by eliminating the need for separate positioning components.
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are positioned for direct contact with eye structures, then therapy precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the positioning function and electrode support function into the frame structure itself. The front piece and arms are designed to naturally position electrodes against the eyelid and temple areas, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame and electrode carriers are designed with flexibility to adapt to different user anatomies. The arms can be adjusted to fit different head sizes and shapes, allowing precise electrode placement without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms for each individual case.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device includes adjustable electrodes and multiple components, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components (front piece, arms, earpieces, electrode carriers) that can be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame components are designed as universal elements that can accommodate different electrode configurations and user anatomies. The adjustable arms and electrode carriers can be used across different device variants, reducing the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured.
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 wearable device provides effective and comfortable electrical therapy to the eyes, allowing patients to engage in activities during treatment, with adjustable features ensuring proper contact and therapy delivery, addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
the control circuit configured to issue electrical signals through the front electrode or front electrode pad and the earpiece electrode to provide therapy to the eye of a user
Data Source
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AI summary
A wearable device for providing therapy to a patient is disclosed that includes disposable or reusable treatment pads. The treatment pads include electrodes and are configured to apply energy to various regions around the head and eyes The treatment pads may provide therapy when the eyes are open or closed. The wearable device may include a battery and/or control circuitry for issuing therapy. Some examples include a frame similar an eyeglasses frame for carrying, holding or applying the treatment pads or electrodes, as well as in some instances the battery and/or control circuitry.