Non-invasive Forehead Thermal Regulator for Sleep Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for insomnia and sleep disorders are often expensive, have side effects, and require significant time and trained clinicians, while existing thermal regulation methods for the brain can be invasive and ineffective in maintaining consistent temperature for prolonged periods.
Innovation Solution
Non-invasive thermal therapy using Peltier devices and phase change materials to cool the forehead, maintaining a temperature between 14° C. and 18° C. for at least 15 minutes, with a thermal transfer region and passive thermal regulators to ensure comfortable and sustained thermal regulation of the frontal cortex.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prescription drugs are used to treat insomnia, then sleep quality is improved, but side effects and addiction risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical pharmacological interventions with a physical thermal regulation system. Peltier devices and phase change materials are used to apply controlled thermal stimuli to the forehead, substituting drug-based treatment with a non-invasive physical modality that avoids side effects and addiction risks while improving sleep quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal energy as an intermediary medium between the treatment device and the brain. By using Peltier devices and phase change materials to transfer thermal energy to the forehead, the system indirectly influences brain temperature and sleep regulation without requiring direct chemical intervention, thereby avoiding harmful side effects
2Object-affected harmful factors
If behavioral treatments are used for insomnia, then side effects are reduced, but treatment time and clinician requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-contained thermal regulation device that can be used independently without requiring trained clinicians. The device incorporates its own control system with temperature sensors and processors that automatically regulate thermal output, enabling users to treat insomnia at home without professional supervision, thus reducing both time investment and dependency on healthcare providers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces lengthy behavioral therapy sessions with a compact thermal regulation device. The system uses Peltier devices and phase change materials to deliver therapeutic thermal stimuli in a condensed format that achieves treatment goals in a single application rather than requiring prolonged behavioral intervention programs
3Temperature
If invasive thermal regulation methods are used for the brain, then temperature control is improved, but patient comfort and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the forehead skin and underlying tissues as an intermediary layer between the external thermal device and the brain. By applying thermal stimuli through the skull bone via the forehead, the system achieves indirect brain temperature regulation without direct brain penetration or invasive procedures, maintaining patient comfort and safety while achieving effective temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible headgear structure with thin thermal contact interfaces that conform to the forehead contour. This flexible design ensures intimate thermal contact between the Peltier device and the forehead skin while remaining comfortable for prolonged wear, eliminating the rigidity and discomfort associated with invasive thermal regulation methods
4Temperature
If active cooling systems are used to maintain brain temperature, then temperature regulation is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials that absorb and release thermal energy during phase transitions (e.g., solid-liquid transitions). These materials passively regulate temperature by absorbing excess heat when the brain temperature rises and releasing heat when it drops, eliminating the need for continuous active cooling and significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature regulation
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change materials serve as self-regulating thermal buffers that automatically respond to temperature changes without external control. The materials inherently absorb or release heat based on their phase transition properties, providing autonomous temperature regulation that eliminates the need for energy-intensive active cooling systems and complex control mechanisms
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
Improves sleep quality, reduces sleep onset time, and treats insomnia by non-invasively regulating the temperature of the frontal cortex, providing a comfortable and effective solution for neurological disorders without the drawbacks of existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal transfer region including at least one Peltier device operable to cool the skin of the user, activating the at least one Peltier device and cooling the thermal transfer region to a set temperature between about 14° C. and about 18° C.
Implementation Method 2
the thermal transfer region including at least one phase change material operable to cool the skin of the user, and maintaining the set temperature for a time period extending at least 15 minutes
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and devices for enhancing sleep, including enhancing the quality of sleep, reducing sleep onset time, increasing total sleep time, treating insomnia, and/or treating other neurological disorders by non-invasive temperature regulation of the frontal cortex prior to and/or during sleep. Described herein are thermal applicators that include phase change materials and/or evaporative cooling, as well as headgear for securing the applicators comfortably against the appropriate region of the user's head.