Ophthalmic Mask With Heating Core And Moisture Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye masks do not effectively provide sustained therapeutic benefits such as heat and moisture retention for ocular health, particularly for treating Meibomian gland disease and dry eye conditions, and lack reusable and cleanable designs for prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ophthalmic mask system incorporating a heating core with dual eye regions, a bridge, and a moisture supply system that includes reusable and cleanable cover sleeves, powered by an electrical resistance heat source and a rechargeable battery, which provides controlled heat and moisture to the eye area, promoting relaxation and treating thickened oils in Meibomian glands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing eye masks are used to cover eyes and promote dampening of ocular stimulus, then light blocking function is achieved, but therapeutic benefits such as sustained heat and moisture retention are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single eye mask device: light blocking (traditional function), therapeutic heating, moisture retention, and aromatherapy. The mask integrates a heating element, moisture-retaining material, and essential oil reservoir into one unified structure, allowing simultaneous delivery of thermal, humid, and aromatic therapies while maintaining light blockage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The eye mask is designed to perform multiple therapeutic functions beyond traditional light blocking. It provides sustained heat therapy through an integrated heating element, moisture retention through hydrophilic materials, aromatherapy through essential oil diffusion, and light blockage. This multi-functional design makes the device versatile for treating various ocular conditions including dry eye syndrome and Meibomian gland dysfunction.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If reusable and cleanable designs are implemented for prolonged use, then device durability and hygiene are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eye mask is divided into separable components: a reusable main body containing the heating element and essential oil reservoir, and removable inserts consisting of moisture-retaining material pads. The inserts can be easily detached, cleaned, or replaced independently from the main structure, allowing simplified maintenance while enabling prolonged usage through component reuse.
3Reliability
If heat source and moisture supply are integrated into the mask, then therapeutic effectiveness is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element and moisture-retaining materials are integrated into thin, flexible layers that conform to the contours of the eye area. The moisture-retaining material is incorporated as a thin pad or coating within the mask structure, allowing close contact with the eyelids while maintaining flexibility and ease of manufacturing through standard textile or molding processes.
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 mask system effectively provides sustained warming and moisture retention, relieving stress and treating Meibomian gland issues, with features like adjustable straps, washable components, and aromatherapy options, ensuring therapeutic benefits over repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical resistance heat source positioned within each flap of the heating core
Implementation Method 2
a moisture supply configured to provide moisture from the mask to a wearer and/or to capture or trap moisture around the eye of a wearer and promote retention of that moisture
Data Source
AI summary
Eye masks and associated processes are disclosed herein. These masks and associated processes may involve positioning a mask over the eyes and nearby glands of a user and applying heat and/or moisture. This treatment may provide therapeutic benefits, including therapy of Meibomian gland disease and other sources of dry eye. Other physical benefits can also include mechanically gently holding eyelids closed and promoting relaxation and reduction of stress.