Wearable Eyelid Stimulation for Restoring Spontaneous Blinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromuscular devices are unable to restore spontaneous blinking and eyelid closure in individuals with facial paralysis, leading to chronic eye issues and potential vision loss.
Innovation Solution
A wearable eyelid closure system comprising an optical sensor, electrical stimulator, and controller, integrated into a frame such as eyeglasses, to provide epicutaneous stimulation to the orbicularis oculi muscle, adjusting stimulus based on eyelid kinematics and closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If neuromuscular electrical stimulation is applied to restore eyelid closure, then eyelid closure function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (optical sensing, electrical stimulation, and control processing) into a single integrated wearable device that can be worn on the head, merging the sensor, stimulator, and controller into one cohesive system rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors eyelid position using optical sensors, processes sensor data to detect closure events, and delivers electrical stimulation to restore blinking, making it a multi-functional device that addresses both monitoring and therapy needs
2Ease of operation
If optical sensing and electrical stimulation are integrated into a wearable device, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device operates autonomously by automatically detecting eyelid closure events through optical sensing and triggering electrical stimulation without requiring manual activation or adjustment by the user, making it self-regulating and easy to use
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where optical sensors continuously monitor eyelid position, the controller processes this information to detect closure events, and adjusts electrical stimulation delivery accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to user needs
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 eyelid closure system effectively assists in restoring spontaneous blinking and eyelid closure, addressing the inability to blink restoration in patients with facial paralysis, enhancing eyelid closure, addressing the inability to blink restoration in patients with facial paralysis, enhancing eyelid closure through optical sensing and electrical stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical sensor can be configured to sense visible and/or infrared light
Implementation Method 2
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been widely adopted in neuromuscular rehabilitation programs for prevention of muscle atrophy and promotion of muscular hypertrophy, composition and blood flow
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an eyelid closure system comprising a first optical sensor, an electrical stimulator, and a controller. The controller can be configured to: receive a sensing signal from the first optical sensor, the sensing signal indicative of a kinematic of a first eyelid of a user; and cause the electrical stimulator to emit a first electrical stimulus in response to the sensing signal, the first electrical stimulus configured to cause a second eyelid of the user to close.