Handheld Thermal Therapy Device with Interchangeable Pre-heated Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal therapy devices for treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Blepharitis primarily use single treatment modalities, such as heated massage or thermal pulsation, which are insufficient for comprehensive treatment.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive eyelid treatment method utilizing a battery-powered handheld device that can detachably engage various thermal therapy instruments with unique distal working ends, allowing for dynamic heat control and sequential use of pre-heated instruments without recharging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single treatment modality is used (heated massage or thermal pulsation), then the device complexity is reduced, but the treatment comprehensiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment comprehensivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a handheld controller and separate interchangeable treatment modules. Each module provides a different treatment modality (heated massage, thermal pulsation, etc.), allowing comprehensive treatment while keeping each individual module simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device is designed with universal compatibility to accept multiple types of treatment modules. This multi-functionality allows a single device to perform various thermal therapy treatments by simply changing the attached module, achieving comprehensive treatment without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple treatment modalities are performed sequentially using one battery-powered device, then the procedure time is reduced, but the battery energy is depleted faster

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure efficiencyVSAvoidbattery energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Treatment modules are pre-heated to therapeutic temperatures before being attached to the handheld device. This preliminary heating action eliminates the need for the battery-powered device to consume energy during the warm-up phase, allowing multiple treatments to be performed sequentially without rapid battery depletion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By maintaining modules at therapeutic temperature through pre-heating and insulation, the device enables continuous useful action across multiple treatment modalities without interruption for recharging. The battery only needs to maintain temperature during active treatment, not heat from cold start.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If the handheld device is kept small and lightweight for patient comfort, then the ease of operation is improved, but the battery capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandheld device portabilityVSAvoidbattery capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating function is extracted from the handheld device and transferred to external pre-heating equipment. This extraction allows the handheld device to remain small and lightweight with limited battery capacity, while still supporting multiple treatment modalities through pre-heated modules that require minimal energy to maintain temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This method enables efficient and comprehensive thermal therapy by allowing multiple treatment modalities to be performed sequentially without battery recharge, reducing procedure time and maximizing battery life.

Implementation Method 1

The handheld device is also adapted to dynamically control heat to the distal working end through thermal conduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A battery-powered handheld device is provided that is adapted to detachably engage the base portion of each type of thermal therapy instrument

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery energy conversion: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS12310883B2Continuous thermal therapy

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 OCUSCI INC

AI summary

A non-invasive thermal therapy for the eye dynamically maintains a treatment temperature at the working tip of the instrument. Methods described herein pre-heat the instruments serving to reduce instrument setup time, increase battery life, reduce the weight of the handheld device, and reduce total procedure time. Related apparatuses are also described.