Wearable Optogenetic Device Thermal Management via Segmented Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current illuminating devices for optogenetics applications are not miniaturized for human use, fail to provide sufficient light intensity, and cause excessive heat and discomfort due to inadequate thermal management, while also not being adaptable to optical aberrations and safety standards.

Innovation Solution

A wearable medical device with a frame and optical module designed to deliver controlled light intensity, featuring thermal dissipation mechanisms and adjustable components to maintain comfort and safety, including a frame made of high thermal conductivity materials and a miniaturized optical system with heat dissipation areas for the light source and electronic circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high light intensity is provided to activate photoreactive proteins, then optogenetic stimulation effectiveness is improved, but heat production and tissue phototoxicity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight intensityVSAvoidheat and phototoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses pulsed light emission instead of continuous illumination, delivering high-intensity light in controlled pulses to activate photoreactive proteins while allowing thermal dissipation between pulses, thereby reducing cumulative heat buildup and phototoxicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates thermal management features that convert the harmful heat byproduct into a beneficial cooling mechanism, using heat-dissipating structures to actively manage temperature and prevent tissue damage while maintaining effective light delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Volume of moving object

If miniaturized illuminating device is created for human use, then wearability is improved, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates localized high-thermal-conductivity materials specifically at heat-generating components (light source and electronics) to create efficient heat pathways in critical areas, while maintaining overall device miniaturization through selective material placement rather than uniform material usage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction combining materials with different thermal properties - high thermal conductivity materials for heat dissipation paths and low thermal conductivity materials for thermal insulation - to optimize both miniaturization and thermal management in the wearable device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Temperature

If frame material with high thermal conductivity is used for heat dissipation, then temperature control is improved, but heat transfer to wearer's face increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidheat transfer to wearer

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into distinct thermal zones with different material properties - high thermal conductivity materials are used in specific heat-dissipation pathways away from the wearer's face, while low thermal conductivity materials are positioned at contact points to prevent heat transfer to the wearer's skin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal management intermediaries - heat-dissipating structures positioned between the light source and the wearer's face - that act as thermal mediators to conduct heat away from sensitive areas while preventing direct heat transfer to the wearer's skin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively delivers controlled light intensity while maintaining wearer comfort by managing heat dissipation and adhering to safety standards, ensuring safe and effective optogenetic stimulation without causing tissue damage or discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

an optical module (20), the optical module being in the first area and facing the inner face, the optical module comprising a light source (70) and an optical system (72)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The frame (12) is made of a material having a thermal conductivity higher than 5 W/m*K

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11135446B2Medical device intended to be worn in front of the eyes

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 GENSIGHT BIOLOGICS

AI summary

The present invention concerns a medical device (10) intended to be worn by a human wearer, the medical device (10) defining a first area (26) and a second area (28), each area being intended to be positioned in front of a respective eye of the wearer. The medical device (10) comprises a frame (10), comprising a rear shell (34). The rear shell (34) defines a hole (54) facing the first area (26) and the rear shell (34) is opaque facing the second area (28). The medical device (10) also comprises an optical module (20) in the first area (26). The optical module (20) comprises a light source (70) and an optical system (72). The optical module (20) is arranged to send a light beam through the hole (54). The medical device (10) further comprises an electronic circuitry (18), adapted to command the optical module (20).