Optical Fiber Therapeutic Wearables for Closed-Loop Skin Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapeutic devices struggle with adaptability to changing physiological conditions due to sensor limitations, weight, complexity, and cost, leading to constrained applications and inconsistent therapeutic effects.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic device utilizing optical fibers for sensing and feedback control, combined with AI and ML algorithms, to determine localized skin parameters and adjust stimulation based on real-time data, allowing for versatile forms like face masks and armbands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple types of sensors are installed to determine multiple parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single optical fiber sensor that can determine multiple skin parameters (temperature, abnormalities, etc.) simultaneously through feedback control, replacing the need for multiple separate sensors. This multi-functional approach maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by employing optical fibers as a mediating element that interacts with skin parameters and converts them into detectable optical signals. The optical fiber acts as a universal intermediary that can sense multiple parameters without requiring direct contact with each parameter type, thereby simplifying the sensor system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple types of sensors are installed to determine multiple parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber sensor serves multiple sensing functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor components. This reduces the overall weight of the therapeutic device while maintaining the capability to determine multiple skin parameters with high precision.
3Measurement precision
If device construction is adapted for specific body regions, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber sensor is designed as a universal sensing element that can be applied to different body regions (face, arm, waist, etc.) without requiring region-specific customization. The feedback control system adapts the sensing and stimulation parameters based on the specific application, maintaining measurement precision across diverse applications while maximizing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the therapeutic device configuration adaptable and reconfigurable based on the application site. The optical fiber sensor and stimulation elements can be dynamically adjusted or repositioned to suit different body regions, allowing the same device construction to serve multiple purposes with high precision.
4Reliability
If feedback control is implemented with multiple sensors, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system uses a universal optical fiber sensor to monitor multiple skin parameters simultaneously, enabling comprehensive feedback control without requiring multiple separate sensor systems. This maintains therapeutic effectiveness and consistency while simplifying the overall control system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring skin parameters through the optical fiber sensor and adjusting stimulation parameters accordingly. The optical fiber provides real-time feedback on skin temperature, abnormalities, and other parameters, allowing the control system to adapt and maintain consistent therapeutic effects without excessive complexity.
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
Enables precise, customizable therapeutic effects tailored to individual physiological characteristics through closed-loop control, enhancing adaptability and effectiveness across various body regions.
Implementation Method 1
uses optical fibers as sensing elements to enable the closed-loop control of the therapeutic effects
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor configured to receive electromagnetic radiation traveling from the plurality of first optical endpoints to the plurality of second optical endpoints
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a therapeutic device. The therapeutic device includes an inner layer including a plurality of sensing locations and a plurality of stimulating locations constructed therewithin. Furthermore, the therapeutic device includes a plurality of stimulation elements located within the plurality of stimulating locations. The therapeutic device further includes a plurality of optical fibers including a plurality of respective first optical endpoints and a plurality of respective second optical endpoints, the plurality of first optical endpoints located within the plurality of sensing locations. Furthermore, the therapeutic device includes an optical sensor configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the plurality of second optical endpoints. The therapeutic device also includes a control module configured to determine radiation characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation received by the optical sensor and activate one or more of the plurality of stimulation elements in correlation with the determined radiation characteristics.