Flexible IR Nipple Shield for Discreet Therapeutic Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a compact device capable of providing therapeutic healing effects in a discreet and inconspicuous manner to sensitive areas, particularly for skin conditions such as sore, cracked, and injured nipples during breastfeeding.
Innovation Solution
A compact IR nipple shield device with an IR LED arrangement, flexible circuit board, and flexible overmold layer is designed to be secured over a woman's nipple, illuminating therapeutic red light within the 630-700 nanometer wavelength range for healing purposes, accompanied by a wireless charger for convenient recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact device is designed for discreet application to sensitive areas, then the device size is reduced, but the therapeutic effectiveness and coverage area are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the coverage area into multiple zones by arranging LED arrays in different wavelengths (red, blue, green, yellow, purple) across distinct regions of the nipple shield. Each wavelength targets specific skin conditions, allowing comprehensive coverage of the entire nipple and areola area despite the compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-wavelength point-source therapy to multi-wavelength surface-area therapy by incorporating five different LED color arrays. This dimensional expansion from one to five wavelengths enables broader therapeutic coverage while maintaining device compactness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED arrays with different wavelengths are incorporated, then the therapeutic versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nipple shield device integrates five different wavelength LED arrays (red, blue, green, yellow, purple) into a single universal device that can treat multiple skin conditions simultaneously. The controller enables selective activation of different wavelength combinations based on specific therapeutic needs, making one device serve multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes operational parameters by allowing the controller to select different wavelength combinations and activation sequences based on the specific skin condition being treated. This parameter variability enables versatile therapy delivery without requiring multiple separate devices.
3Area of stationary object
If the LED arrays are arranged to cover the entire nipple and areola area, then the therapeutic coverage is improved, but the device flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a flexible silicone shield structure that can conform to the contours of the breast and nipple. This flexible membrane allows the rigid LED arrays to be mounted on a compliant substrate, enabling full coverage while maintaining comfort and adaptability to different breast shapes and sizes.
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 provides discreet and effective therapeutic healing to sore, cracked, and injured nipples by promoting cellular repair and function, while the charger ensures easy and continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
an IR light-emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
illuminate therapeutic red light onto the woman's nipple for healing purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A compact IR therapeutic device having a cover, an arrangement of IR LED's, a flexible circuit board and a flexible overmold layer attached to the cover. The flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the IR LED's and provides various routine commands thereto. The flexible overmold layer secures the flexible circuit board to the cover. The IR LED's are secured to the flexible circuit board and disposed between the cover and the flexible overmold layer. The compact IR therapeutic device is adapted to be secured over a woman's nipple, and the IR LED's are illuminated to provide a therapeutic red light onto the woman's nipple for healing purposes.