Self-heating eye mask with segmented lobes and exothermic elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye treatment masks and compresses are not designed to securely fit the eye, leading to issues such as dryness and inadequate thermal therapy, particularly when used with CPAP machines. Additionally, existing thermal compresses are not capable of sustaining a therapy temperature for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A self-heating eye mask system with separate eye coverage portions, each containing a self-heating element that generates heat through an exothermic reaction with air, and a hydrophilic material to deliver moist heat therapy. The system includes a therapy compress with an outer shell containing a hydrophilic fill material and retention means for the self-heating elements, ensuring sustained thermal treatment within a specified temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional eye treatment masks are used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mask does not securely fit the eye and causes dryness
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into separate eye coverage portions that can independently fit over each eye, allowing for a secure fit without requiring a complex overall structure. Each portion can be optimized for its specific function of delivering thermal therapy while maintaining security against the eye surface.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional thermal compresses are used, then the device is simple, but the compress cannot sustain therapy temperature for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The compress incorporates self-heating elements that automatically maintain the therapy temperature without requiring external heating sources or complex temperature control systems. The self-heating capability allows the compress to sustain temperature for extended periods while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
3Reliability
If conventional compresses are used, then the device is simple, but thermal therapy is inadequate particularly during CPAP use
Solution Approach 1:
The compress is designed to continuously deliver thermal therapy through self-heating elements that maintain temperature throughout the treatment period. This continuous heat delivery ensures adequate thermal therapy effectiveness during CPAP use without requiring complex intermittent heating mechanisms.
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 self-heating eye mask system provides secure and effective thermal therapy to the eyes, maintaining a consistent temperature for extended periods, thereby improving comfort and reducing dryness, especially during CPAP use.
Implementation Method 1
a self-heating element that generates heat through an exothermic reaction with air
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophilic material to deliver moist heat therapy
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering thermal therapy to a treated body portion of a subject. The system preferably includes a therapy compress having at least one pocket or retainer, and at least one self-heating element configured for removable insertion within the at least one pocket of the therapy compress. In some example embodiments the therapy compress is in the form of an eye mask having first and second eye-covering lobes, each eye-covering lobe having a pocket for receiving a self-heating element. In some example embodiments the at least one self-heating element is air or oxygen activated, for example including a zinc-based self-heating material.