Modular Eye Therapy Device with Interchangeable Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for eyelid and ocular surface disorders, such as anterior blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, are often complex, inconvenient, and lack a modular, integrated solution that can be tailored to individual patient needs, with existing devices and methods failing to effectively manage a continuum of conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular device system comprising a housing with an on/off switch, controller, power source, and interchangeable modules for massage, temperature control, and moisture delivery, allowing customizable therapy options including rollers, air channels, and temperature control modules, which can be programmed for specific treatment protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate treatment devices and protocols are used for different eye conditions, then comprehensive treatment coverage is achieved, but treatment complexity and patient compliance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple treatment modalities (heat therapy, massage, moisture delivery) into a single integrated device that can treat various eye conditions including dry eye syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction. This consolidation reduces the number of separate devices and protocols patients must manage while maintaining comprehensive treatment coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to address multiple eye conditions through a single platform. It can deliver heat therapy, mechanical massage, and moisture delivery, making it adaptable to treat different conditions such as dry eye, MGD, and blepharitis without requiring separate specialized devices for each condition.
2Reliability
If customizable treatment protocols are implemented for individual patient needs, then treatment effectiveness improves, but device complexity and programming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable treatment parameters including variable heat intensity, customizable massage pressure and duration, and adjustable moisture delivery settings. These dynamic parameters can be programmed to create personalized treatment protocols that adapt to individual patient needs while maintaining ease of operation through preset programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of treatment parameters such as temperature, pressure, duration, and sequence of therapy delivery. These parameter changes enable customization of treatment protocols for different conditions and patient responses while maintaining a user-friendly interface that simplifies the programming process.
3Ease of operation
If home use of treatment devices is enabled, then patient convenience and compliance improve, but safety and treatment consistency become more challenging to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed for independent home use by patients without requiring professional administration. It incorporates user-friendly controls, preset treatment programs, and automated delivery sequences that enable patients to consistently administer proper treatment at home, maintaining treatment consistency while maximizing convenience and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes control mechanisms that monitor and regulate treatment delivery to ensure consistency and safety. This may include temperature control, pressure regulation, and timing mechanisms that automatically enforce proper treatment parameters, providing feedback to maintain reliable and consistent therapy delivery in the home environment.
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 modular device system provides a convenient, safe, and effective means to manage a range of eye conditions by delivering customizable therapy, improving eye health and wellness through simultaneous or sequential use of moisture, temperature, and massage modules, addressing the specific needs of each patient.
Implementation Method 1
The purpose of the warm compress is to dilate the tissue around the meibomian glands and to heat the meibomian gland oil above its melting point allowing it to thin, decrease its viscosity, and flow again.
Implementation Method 2
a massage delivery device wherein the massage delivery device is configured to apply pressure to an eyelid surface
Data Source
AI summary
Modularized eye treatment devices, systems, kits and method are disclosed which include therapy delivery modules that are combined in a housing to deliver one or more therapies to a patient. Therapy modules include temperature control modules, moisture delivery modules and massage delivery modules. A controller can be provided that identifies which therapy modules are provided and therapy is adjusted based on the identification of which modules are provided in the housing.