Wearable Light Therapy Glasses with Mobile App Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light therapy devices are limited by their immobility and requirement for the user to sit still, making it difficult to simulate sunlight effectively and adapt to different lifestyles, and can cause insomnia when used at night.
Innovation Solution
A portable light therapy device in the form of glasses with detachable light modules powered by rechargeable batteries and a communication module that can be controlled via a mobile application, allowing for efficient light direction and customizable usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light box is used for light therapy, then light therapy can be provided, but the patient is confined by seating constraints and cannot move freely
Solution Approach 1:
The light therapy device is segmented into a wearable frame structure with integrated light sources positioned at multiple locations (front frame, temples, bridge) to deliver light directly to the eyes while allowing the patient to move freely without being confined to a seated position in front of a light box
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a stationary light box requiring the patient to sit in a specific position to a wearable device that moves with the patient, changing the spatial dimension from fixed external light source to mobile integrated light source on the patient's face
2Duration of action of moving object
If light therapy is used at night, then light therapy can be provided at any time, but it can cause insomnia
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a controller that enables periodic or timed operation of the light sources, allowing the patient to receive light therapy for specific durations and intervals, and to stop usage before bedtime to avoid the harmful effect of nighttime light exposure that causes insomnia
Solution Approach 2:
The controller allows the patient to monitor and control the operation of light sources based on the time of day and their own needs, providing feedback control to prevent usage at inappropriate times that would cause insomnia while maintaining flexibility for daytime therapy
3Reliability
If artificial light must hit the retina to simulate sunlight effects, then light therapy effectiveness is improved, but the patient is confined to specific positions
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable frame structure serves multiple functions: it positions light sources correctly to deliver light to the eyes, allows patient movement and various activities, and maintains effective light delivery regardless of the patient's position or activity level
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 users to receive light therapy on-the-go while ensuring proper light intensity and duration, reducing the risk of insomnia by allowing flexible usage and remote control of the light sources.
Implementation Method 1
Each light module includes a light source configured to emit light and a battery configured to provide power to the light source, wherein light emitted by each light source is directed into a respective eye of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A portable light therapy device configured to be worn by a patient proximate the eyes includes a front frame including a pair of eye frame sections coupled to each other by a bridge. The bridge is supported on a nose of a patient when worn such that each eye frame section is positioned in front of a respective eye of the patient. A pair of side frames is coupled to opposing ends of the front frame such that, when the device is worn, the side frames extend generally perpendicularly to a plane defined by the front frame. A pair of light modules are each attached to a respective one of the side frames. Each light module includes a light source that emits light and a battery that provides power to the light source, wherein light emitted by each light source is directed into a respective eye of the patient.