Handheld Peltier Dry Eye Device Melting Meibomian Obstructions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) leads to dry eye symptoms due to obstructed meibomian gland ducts, which existing treatments fail to effectively unplug without surgical operations or pharmaceutical drugs.

Innovation Solution

A handheld device with a Peltier heating element and eyelid applicator applies controlled heat to the eyelid surface, melting or softening obstructions in the meibomian glands, restoring secretory function without surgery or medication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical operations or pharmaceutical drugs are used to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, then the obstruction in gland ducts can be removed, but the treatment becomes invasive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of unblocking glandsVSAvoidtreatment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces surgical mechanical intervention with a thermal field (heat application). The heating element delivers controlled heat to the eyelid tissue, melting the obstructing lipids through thermal energy rather than mechanical removal, thereby eliminating the need for surgical operations while maintaining effectiveness in clearing gland ducts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the obstructing lipids by applying heat to raise the temperature above the melting point of meibomian gland secretions. This parameter change (temperature increase) transforms the solidified lipids into a liquid state, allowing them to flow freely through the ducts without requiring surgical removal or chemical dissolution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high temperature is applied to melt obstructions in meibomian glands, then the secretory function is restored, but the risk of tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoration of secretory functionVSAvoidrisk of eyelid tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a feedback control system using a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the temperature at the eyelid-heating element interface. The controller receives this temperature data and adjusts the power delivered to the heating element in real-time, ensuring the temperature remains within the safe range (40-50°C) needed to melt obstructions without causing tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a gel substance as an intermediary between the heating element and the eyelid tissue. This gel serves multiple functions: it facilitates uniform heat transfer to the tissue, prevents direct contact between the hot heating element and the delicate eyelid skin, and acts as a thermal buffer that reduces the risk of localized overheating and tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If existing non-invasive treatments are used for dry eye, then patient comfort is maintained, but they fail to effectively unplug severe meibomian gland obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasive treatmentVSAvoideffectiveness in unplugging glands

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies heat to the eyelid tissue before any mechanical expression or cleaning of the glands. This preliminary thermal action softens and melts the obstructing lipids in advance, reducing their viscosity and making subsequent gland expression much more effective. The heat treatment prepares the tissue and gland contents for easier removal without requiring invasive procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 device efficiently raises the temperature of meibomian glands to loosen or melt obstructions, improving sebum flow and reducing dry eye symptoms effectively and non-invasively.

Implementation Method 1

A handheld device with a Peltier heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

the heating element is coupled to an eyelid applicator... the eyelid applicator is configured to apply heat to an exterior surface of one or more eyelids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

raise the temperature at the meibomian glands to a temperature sufficient to melt, loosen, or soften more serious occlusions or obstructions in the meibomian glands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS10130507B2Dry eye treatment device

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 WHITEHURST GLINDA

AI summary

A dry eye treatment device and method of use are disclosed for applying heat to the exterior surface of an eyelid to treat dry eye symptoms which can be caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). More specifically, a user operable main unit and hand piece are provided that allow the user to heat his/her or another patient's eyelids to a desired temperature, which can effectively and efficiently raise the temperature at the meibomian glands sufficient to melt, loosen, or soften occlusions or obstructions in the meibomian glands, thereby restoring natural secretory function to the meibomian glands.