Side-Emitting Optical Fiber Wearable for Targeted Light Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-light-based wraps and sleeves provide only temporary relief for muscle and joint issues, lacking long-term recovery or preventative benefits, while existing garments do not deliver therapeutic light directly to the wearer.
Innovation Solution
A wearable garment with side-emitting optical fibers embedded in fabric panels, optically connected to a light source, which projects therapeutic wavelengths of light (630 nm to 900 nm) directly onto the skin, providing continuous and targeted light therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-light-based wraps and sleeves are used, then affordability and accessibility are improved, but therapeutic effectiveness and long-term recovery benefits deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light-emitting optical fibers with wearable fabric to create a garment that delivers therapeutic light directly to the body. This merging of light therapy technology with accessible wearable clothing form provides both affordability and proven therapeutic effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between cost and efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fibers as an intermediary to deliver light therapy through the fabric to the body. This intermediary approach allows therapeutic light to reach target areas effectively while maintaining the accessibility and comfort of wearable clothing, achieving both affordability and therapeutic reliability.
2Illumination intensity
If light-emitting fabrics are used for safety or visibility purposes, then visibility is improved, but therapeutic light delivery to the wearer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies light-emitting optical fibers specifically to areas of the fabric that contact the body, creating local quality differentiation. The fibers are positioned to deliver therapeutic light directly to skin and muscle areas, ensuring that light delivery serves therapeutic rather than merely visibility purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using light-emitting fabric for external visibility as in conventional safety clothing, the patent inverts the purpose by directing light inward toward the wearer's body for therapeutic effect. This inversion transforms the function from external illumination to internal therapeutic delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical fibers are bent tightly to conform to body contours, then adaptability to body shape is improved, but light transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible optical fibers that can be integrated into wearable fabric while maintaining their light transmission properties. The fibers are positioned and secured in a way that allows them to flex with body movement without being bent beyond their minimum bend radius, achieving both body contour adaptation and reliable light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the optical fibers can flex and move with the body while maintaining functional integrity. The wearable design allows the fibers to adapt to body contours and movement without permanent deformation or damage, balancing adaptability with light transmission reliability.
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 wearable garment delivers continuous light therapy directly to the skin, enhancing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and improving muscle recovery and joint health, offering long-term benefits beyond temporary relief.
Implementation Method 1
side-emitting optical fiber... configured to project light having a therapeutic wavelength toward a wearer of the wearable
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable for providing light therapy to a wearer includes at least one fabric panel having an inner surface that when the wearable is worn is configured to face a wearer's skin and an outer surface opposite the inner surface and at least one side-emitting optical fiber affixed to at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface. The side-emitting optical fiber is optically connectable with an optical fiber light source and configured to project light having a therapeutic wavelength toward a wearer of the wearable. With the fabric panel laid flat, the side-emitting optical fiber includes at least one looped section that bends around more than 180 degrees.