Jacketed Side-Emitting Optical Fiber for Light Therapy Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light therapy wearables incorporating side-emitting optical fibers face issues with wearer comfort and practical functionality due to the limitations of larger optical fibers, including bending restrictions and discomfort, which hinder their integration into conventional garments.
Innovation Solution
A light therapy wearable design featuring a side-emitting optical fiber with a jacket made from a light-transmissive material, such as silicone, having a durometer of at least 50 A and an outer diameter at least seven times the core diameter, allowing for flexibility and comfort while preventing damage from excessive force and bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If larger optical fibers are used in light therapy wearables, then the fiber can transmit more light, but the minimum bend radius increases and wearer comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is segmented into multiple smaller core sections (e.g., three 0.25mm core fibers instead of one 0.5mm fiber) that can be independently bent and positioned. This segmentation allows each segment to have a smaller minimum bend radius while collectively providing sufficient light transmission area, thereby resolving the contradiction between light transmission capability and wearability comfort.
2Illumination intensity
If larger optical fibers are used, then light transmission is improved, but spacing between adjacent sections must be increased which complicates garment design
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber system is divided into multiple small-diameter segments that can be closely spaced within the garment. This segmentation eliminates the need for large spacing between adjacent light-emitting sections, simplifying the overall garment structure and design while maintaining effective light transmission coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fibers are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the garment layers, allowing multiple fibers to be positioned at different depths and angles. This dimensional arrangement enables dense packing of light-emitting sections without requiring increased spacing, thereby reducing garment structure complexity while maintaining illumination intensity.
3Ease of operation
If optical fibers are made flexible for wearability, then comfort is improved, but the fiber becomes more susceptible to damage from bending and excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber system uses multiple small-core segments rather than a single large-core fiber. Each small segment can be independently protected and replaced if damaged, improving overall system reliability. The segmentation also allows for more flexible routing and positioning that reduces stress concentration points.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fibers are pre-positioned within protective channels or conduits in the garment structure, and buffer zones are designed into the fiber routing. This beforehand cushioning protects the fibers from excessive force and bending damage while maintaining the flexibility needed for wearer comfort.
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 design enhances wearer comfort and practical functionality by allowing the light therapy garment to be handled similarly to conventional garments, with minimal light loss even under significant forces, maintaining aesthetic and functional integration of side-emitting optical fibers.
Implementation Method 1
The side-emitting optical fiber can include a core made from a synthetic polymeric material. The synthetic polymeric material from which the core is made can be polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
Implementation Method 2
The jacket is made from a light-transmissive material and has a durometer of at least 50 A and an outer diameter at least seven times a core diameter of the side-emitting optical fiber.
Data Source
AI summary
A light therapy wearable includes a fabric panel and a side-emitting light tube affixed to or held against the fabric panel. The side-emitting optical light tube includes a side-emitting optical fiber and a jacket surrounding the side-emitting optical fiber. The side-emitting optical fiber includes a core and cladding surrounding the core. The core is made from a synthetic polymeric material. The jacket is made from a transparent or translucent material and has a durometer of at least 65 A and an outer diameter at least seven times a core diameter of the side-emitting optical fiber.