Modular Vestibular Goggles with Interchangeable IR and VR Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic and treatment equipment for vestibular disorders is immobile and not easily transportable, making it difficult for clinicians to assess and treat patients outside of a clinical setting, which can lead to ineffective treatments due to the complexity of diagnosing dizziness and vertigo symptoms.
Innovation Solution
A modular goggle system with interchangeable components, including infrared cameras and a virtual reality configuration, that can be used for both diagnosis and treatment, featuring a lightproof design and adjustable focusing capabilities to monitor and treat vestibular disorders in a mobile and accessible manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized equipment is used for vestibular testing and treatment, then diagnostic and treatment effectiveness is improved, but device portability and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The goggle system is divided into modular components including ocular portions, a barrel portion, a cap portion, and interchangeable device modules (infrared camera module, virtual reality module, focusing module). This segmentation allows the system to maintain specialized diagnostic and treatment capabilities while improving portability through selective assembly and disassembly of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The goggle system is designed to perform multiple functions through interchangeable modules - it can switch between infrared camera-based vestibular testing, virtual reality-based vestibular treatment, and adjustable focusing modes. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into a single portable system.
2Reliability
If specialized diagnostic and treatment equipment is provided, then medical care quality is improved, but ease of transport and accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into wearable goggle components and separate interchangeable device modules, the heavy specialized equipment is divided into manageable parts that can be transported separately and assembled at the point of care, reducing the burden on individual carriers while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed-location specialized equipment to a portable wearable format, adding the dimension of mobility. The interchangeable modules can be stored in compact cases and transported in dimensions suitable for mobile deployment, enabling clinicians to deliver quality care in diverse settings including patients' homes and remote locations.
3Ease of operation
If the goggle system is designed to be lightweight and portable, then ease of use and transportability is improved, but device functionality and diagnostic capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The goggle system incorporates adjustable and interchangeable components that can be dynamically configured based on the specific diagnostic or treatment need. The focusing module can be adjusted for different distances, and different device modules can be swapped to change functionality, allowing the system to adapt to various clinical scenarios without being permanently committed to a single complex configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable device modules act as intermediaries between the basic goggle structure and the specialized diagnostic/treatment functions. These modules can be attached or removed as needed, providing access to sophisticated functionality when required while maintaining a simple, lightweight base system for portability and ease of use.
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 goggle system allows for effective diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders in various settings, improving patient assessment and treatment accessibility while minimizing weight and enhancing ease of use and transportability for clinicians.
Implementation Method 1
In one such test, the patient wears specially designed goggles with cameras that focus on each eye while the eyes are in darkness inside the goggles
Implementation Method 2
the goggle assembly includes a focusing lens that is movable from a first position to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
In an infrared camera configuration, a modular goggle assembly can diagnose patients having vestibular dysfunction, concussion, or other maladies observable with an examination of the eyes. In a virtual reality display configuration, the assembly can be used to provide treatment to patients once the cause of the illness or malady is determined. The assembly is lightproof, mobile, and easily configurable.