Light Therapy Sleep Mask for Uterine Contraction Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Preterm labor remains a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, with current pharmacological approaches having modest success but considerable side effects, and there is a lack of accurate tests to predict preterm labor, highlighting the need for better understanding and management of uterine contractions.
Innovation Solution
A sleep mask designed to emit light with a wavelength of 450 to 570 nm to suppress endogenous melatonin levels, thereby reducing uterine contractions in pregnant females, using a flexible eye cover with LEDs and a controller to manage light exposure, which can be adjusted based on sensors measuring EMG, EEG, and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pharmacological approaches (oxytocin receptor antagonists) are used to treat preterm labor, then uterine contractions are suppressed, but side effects and minimal effectiveness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological intervention with a physical intervention - using light therapy delivered through eyelids to suppress melatonin production. This substitutes chemical-based treatment with a non-invasive optical approach that targets the circadian rhythm-melatonin-uterine contraction pathway without the side effects of drugs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance that mediates between the external environment and the internal biological system. Light penetrates the eyelids to suppress melatonin, which in turn reduces uterine contractions, creating a indirect but effective treatment pathway that avoids direct pharmacological intervention.
2Reliability
If melatonin levels are increased to suppress uterine contractions, then preterm labor is prevented, but the biological clock and circadian rhythm are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly increasing melatonin to suppress contractions (which would disrupt circadian rhythm), the patent inverts the approach by using light to suppress melatonin production. This indirect approach exploits the existing physiological pathway where melatonin suppression naturally reduces uterine contractions without disrupting the overall circadian rhythm stability.
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 light exposure effectively suppresses nocturnal uterine contractions, correlating with decreased melatonin levels, potentially prolonging pregnancy and reducing the risk of preterm birth by regulating the biological clock and uterine activity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source carried by the flexible eye cover and positioned to emit light having a wavelength of 450 to 570 nm onto the eyelids of the wearer when asleep and penetrate the eyelids when closed
Data Source
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AI summary
A sleep mask includes a flexible eye cover configured to be worn by a late-term pregnant female and configured to cover and shield the eyes of the wearer from ambient light. At least one light source is carried by the flexible eye cover and positioned to emit light having a wavelength of 450 to 570 nm onto the eyelids of the wearer when asleep and penetrate the eyelids when closed. A controller is connected to the at least one light source and configured to activate the light source to decrease endogenous melatonin levels and suppress uterine contractions in the late-term pregnant female.