Intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens storage device

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a contact lens storage device for detecting intraocular pressure, which includes: a cleaning chamber, in which a protective clip is fixedly arranged to fix the contact lens; a top cover, which covers the upper opening of the cleaning chamber and liquid-tightly seals the upper opening of the cleaning chamber; a recovery chamber; a drainage device, which is used to guide the cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber to the recovery chamber, the drainage device includes a drainage pipe and a drainage button, one end of the drainage pipe is connected to the fluid of the cleaning chamber, and the other end is connected to the fluid of the recovery chamber, and the drainage button controls the opening and closing of the drainage pipe; and a deformation sensing device, which is used to detect the deformation of the intraocular pressure sensor in the contact lens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a contact lens storage device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, contact lenses (also known as contact lenses) are stored in ordinary plastic cases containing liquid to keep them moist. However, during manned spaceflight, due to the microgravity environment, removing and placing the lenses can cause the liquid in the case to drift away, affecting the normal operation of equipment on the space station. Therefore, special storage devices are needed.

[0003] Intraocular pressure monitoring can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma. Non-implantable intraocular pressure sensors generally integrate the sensor into contact lenses. For example, CN204218877U discloses an intraocular pressure monitoring system, including an intraocular pressure sensor (flexible microelectrode array) mounted on a contact lens, and an external signal receiver. The intraocular pressure sensor can also be implemented as other forms of strain sensors, such as a Wheatstone bridge (CN106821305A), an LC oscillation circuit consisting of a spiral inductor and an interdigital capacitor (CN205885406U), etc.

[0004] However, if intraocular pressure sensors, such as LC oscillating circuit sensors, are subjected to significant deformation, the IOP monitoring system will not function properly. For example, during the ascent from the ground to the space station orbit, the impact of excessive gravity can cause significant deformation of contact lenses. Therefore, corresponding protection and detection systems are required to ensure the usability of IOP monitoring contact lenses. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to at least partially overcome the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the present disclosure provides a contact lens storage device.

[0006] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a contact lens storage device is provided, which includes: a shell, a cleaning chamber and a recovery chamber are provided in the shell, and a protective clip is fixedly provided in the cleaning chamber to fix the contact lens; a top cover, the top cover covers the upper opening of the cleaning chamber and seals the upper opening of the cleaning chamber; a drainage device, the drainage device includes a drainage pipe and a drainage button, one end of the drainage pipe is connected to the fluid of the cleaning chamber, and the other end is connected to the fluid of the recovery chamber, and the drainage button controls the opening and closing of the drainage pipe; and a deformation sensing device, which is used to detect intraocular pressure and monitor the deformation of the contact lens.

[0007] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the contact lens storage device also includes a cleaning liquid injection outer cover, which is arranged between the cleaning chamber and the top cover and is detachably connected to the shell and the top cover; wherein a cleaning liquid injection hole and an exhaust hole are provided in the cleaning liquid injection outer cover, and the cleaning liquid injection hole is used to inject cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber.

[0008] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the bottom surface of the cleaning chamber is gradually reduced from top to bottom, and the end of the drainage pipe is connected to the center of the bottom surface of the cleaning chamber to facilitate the discharge of the cleaning liquid.

[0009] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the drain button includes a pressing portion and a main body, the main body includes a conical section whose diameter gradually increases in the direction away from the pressing portion; the pressing portion drives the main body to move between a first position and a second position; a button channel is provided in the shell for the main body and the pressing portion to move therein, and the button channel passes through the drain pipe; wherein, when the main body is in the first position, the main body is in contact with the button channel, restricting the cleaning liquid from flowing through the drain pipe; when the main body is in the second position, there is a gap between the main body and the button channel, allowing the cleaning liquid to flow through the drain pipe.

[0010] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a protective clip fixing mechanism is provided on the inner wall of the cleaning chamber; wherein, the protective clip is provided with a protrusion radially outward, and a groove is provided in the protective clip fixing structure to accommodate the protrusion, so as to fix the protective clip to the protective clip fixing structure.

[0011] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the protective clip is concave in shape and conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the contact lens.

[0012] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a circular hole is provided at the center of the protective clip, and a plurality of gaps extend radially outward from the circular hole.

[0013] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the contact lens storage device further includes a contact lens fixing structure, which is used to be fixed to the protective clip and fix the contact lens between the protective clip and the contact lens fixing structure.

[0014] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a plurality of gaps are provided in the contact lens fixing structure.

[0015] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a liquid adsorbent material is provided in the recovery chamber.

[0016] The disclosed intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens storage device fixes the contact lens to avoid excessive deformation and monitors the deformation of the contact lens. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a contact lens storage device according to the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a contact lens storage device;

[0019] Figure 2is a detailed view of a cleaning fluid injection cover according to the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 is a detailed view of a discharge button according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4 is a detailed view of a protective clip according to the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5 is a detailed view of a contact lens securing structure according to the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 6 is a detailed view of a protective clip securing mechanism according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a contact lens storage device according to the present disclosure, showing a housing and a deformation sensing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The contact lens storage device disclosed in the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims. It should be noted that the drawings are highly simplified and not to exact ratios, and are provided solely for the purpose of assisting in the description of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B , which shows an intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens storage device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a shell, and a cleaning chamber 110 and a recovery chamber 120 are provided in the shell. Preferably, the shell includes a first shell and a second shell, the cleaning chamber 110 is arranged in the first shell, and the recovery chamber 120 is arranged in the second shell. The cleaning chamber 110 is used to accommodate intraocular pressure monitoring contact lenses and cleaning fluid, and the recovery chamber 120 is used to recover the cleaning fluid discharged from the cleaning chamber 110. A protective clip 150 is fixedly provided in the cleaning chamber 110 to fix the contact lens. A liquid adsorption material, such as a sponge, is provided in the recovery chamber 120 to absorb the cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber 110. The upper opening of the cleaning chamber 110 can be covered by a top cover 111 and sealed liquid-tightly. The outer wall of the top cover 111 can be provided with a toothed structure to increase the friction with the fingers, so as to facilitate the user to open / tighten the top cover 111.

[0027] Optionally, a cleaning liquid injection outer cover 112 may be provided between the cleaning chamber 110 and the top cover 111. The cleaning liquid injection outer cover 112 may be threadedly connected to the housing and the top cover 111, so as to cover and liquid-tightly seal the upper opening of the cleaning chamber 110. Preferably, the upper end of the cleaning liquid injection outer cover 112 is provided with an external thread for connection with the internal thread of the top cover 111, and the lower end is provided with an internal thread for connection with the external thread of the upper end of the housing (or particularly the first housing).

[0028] Preferably, the housing is configured to be substantially cylindrical in shape. Preferably, the first housing and the second housing in which the cleaning chamber 110 and the recovery chamber 120 are disposed have substantially the same outer diameter and are threadedly connected to each other.

[0029] Reference Figure 2 The cleaning liquid injection cover 112 may be provided with a cleaning liquid injection hole 1121 and an exhaust hole 1122. The cleaning liquid injection hole 1121 allows cleaning liquid to be injected into the cleaning chamber 110, and the exhaust hole 1122 allows excess air to be discharged when the cleaning liquid is injected, thereby maintaining the air pressure balance inside and outside the cleaning chamber 110.

[0030] Preferably, the outer wall of the cleaning liquid injection cover 112 and part of the outer wall of the housing (preferably the first housing) may also be provided with a toothed structure to increase the friction with the fingers.

[0031] Reference Figure 1B As shown in the cross-sectional view, the disclosed intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens storage device 100 further includes a drainage device for guiding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber 110 to the recovery chamber 120. The drainage device includes a drainage pipe 130 and a drainage button 140. The drainage pipe 130 and the drainage button 140 are located in the housing, for example, in the first housing, below the cleaning chamber 110. One end of the drainage pipe 130 is in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber 110, and the other end is in fluid communication with the recovery chamber 120. Figure 3 As shown, the bottom surface of the cleaning chamber 110 is configured to be concave, and the end of the drain pipe 130 is connected to the center of the bottom surface of the cleaning chamber 110 to facilitate the discharge of cleaning liquid. The drain button 140 controls the opening and closing of the drain pipe 130. When the drain pipe 130 is open, the cleaning chamber 110 and the recovery chamber 120 are connected through the drain pipe 130. When the drain pipe 130 is closed, the cleaning chamber 110 and the recovery chamber 120 cannot communicate with each other through the drain pipe 130.

[0032] Reference Figure 4, which shows the drain button 140 in detail. The drain button 140 includes a pressing portion 141 and a main body, and the main body includes a tapered section 142 whose diameter gradually increases in the direction away from the pressing portion. A button channel is provided in the shell for the main body and the pressing portion 141 to move therein, and the button channel passes through the drain pipe 130. The pressing portion 141 can drive the main body (in this case, the tapered section 142) to move between a first position and a second position. When the main body is in the first position, the main body fits in the button channel, restricting the cleaning liquid from flowing through the drain pipe 130 (such as Figure 1B when the main body is in the second position, there is a gap between the main body and the button channel, allowing the cleaning fluid to flow through the drain pipe 130.

[0033] Preferably, the main body further includes an elastic member 143, such as a spring, shape memory alloy, or other elastic material. The elastic member 143 is connected to the end surface of the tapered section 142 and applies a compressive force to the tapered section 142. When a user presses the pressing portion 141 to move the tapered section 142 from a first position to a second position to open the drain tube 130, and then releases the user's finger from the pressing portion 141, the compressive force moves the tapered section 142 from the second position to the first position, automatically closing the drain tube 130.

[0034] It should be understood that the main body of the drain button 140 can be implemented in any other shape, and the drain button 140 as a whole can also be implemented as a structure that realizes the opening and closing functions of the drain tube 130 in any other known manner.

[0035] The contact lens storage device 100 according to the present disclosure further includes a deformation sensing device 170 for detecting deformation of an intraocular pressure sensor (e.g., an LC oscillating circuit sensor) in the contact lens. The deformation sensing device can be disposed inside and / or outside the cleaning chamber 110 and / or the recovery chamber 120, for example, surrounding the contact lens in the cleaning chamber.

[0036] like Figure 7 As shown, the contact lens storage device 100 according to the present disclosure further includes a housing. The housing surrounds and substantially encloses the shell. The housing can be configured to be detachable from the shell, allowing the shell to be withdrawn from the shell. A deformation sensing device 170 can be disposed within the housing, positioned so as to optimally monitor deformation of the intraocular pressure sensor.

[0037] Reference Figure 4, which is a perspective view of a protective clip 150 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The protective clip 150 has a concave shape and conforms to the shape of the outer surface of the contact lens, so that the contact lens can be placed snugly on the protective clip 150. The protective clip 150 can have a circular hole 151 at its center and a plurality of gaps 152 extending radially outward from the circular hole 150. The circular hole 150 and the plurality of gaps 152 can allow a cleaning solution to flow therethrough.

[0038] Reference Figure 5 , which is a perspective view of a contact lens fixing structure 160 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The contact lens fixing structure 160 is a substantially planar structure, with a spherical protrusion 162 provided at its center portion, and a plurality of gaps 161 extending radially outward from the spherical protrusion 162. The contact lens fixing structure 160 can be detachably fixed to the protective clip 150, for example, by the engagement between the protrusion provided in the protective clip 150 and the hole provided in the contact lens fixing structure 160. The contact lens can be clamped between the protective clip 150 and the contact lens fixing structure 160, and the stability of its shape can be maintained, limiting the size of deformation.

[0039] The protective clip 150 can hold one or more contact lenses. Figure 1B As shown, a protective clip 150 can be fixed on each side of the contact lens fixing structure 160, so that a pair of contact lenses can be fixed.

[0040] Reference Figure 6 In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a protective clip fixing mechanism 113 is provided on the inner wall of the cleaning chamber 110. The protective clip fixing mechanism 113 can be implemented as an annular protrusion surrounding the inner wall of the cleaning chamber 110. The protective clip 150 can also be provided with a protrusion 153 radially outward, and correspondingly, a groove 1131 can be provided in the annular protrusion to accommodate the protrusion 153. The cooperation between the groove 1131 and the protrusion 153 can fix the protective clip 150 to the protective clip fixing structure 113 to prevent the protective clip 150 from undesired movement during use. For example, the groove 1131 can be implemented as an L-shaped groove, such as Figure 6 The L-shaped slot allows the user to easily lock / unlock the protective clip 150 in the protective clip fixing mechanism 113, such as by a simple press-in and rotation action or a reverse rotation action.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the protective clip 150 is provided with four evenly spaced protrusions 153, and correspondingly, the protective clip fixing mechanism 113 is provided with four evenly spaced grooves 1131. It should be understood that the number of grooves 1131 and protrusions 153 is not limited to the specific example shown.

[0042] During the ascent from the ground to the space station orbit, the intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens is immersed in the lubricating liquid in the cleaning chamber 110 and secured by a protective clip 150 to prevent excessive deformation. The deformation sensing device maintains a constant distance from the contact lens to monitor the deformation of the intraocular pressure sensor embedded in the contact lens under overweight conditions. For example, it monitors changes in the resonant frequency and frequency intensity of the LC oscillating circuit sensor. If significant changes occur, the deformation sensing device will indicate contact lens failure. In some embodiments, the LC oscillating circuit sensor is equipped with a wireless transmission device, which can transmit signals to the deformation sensing device via the wireless transmission device.

[0043] To secure the contact lens in the storage device, the protective clip 150 is first secured in the protective clip securing mechanism 113, and then the contact lens is placed in the protective clip 150 and the contact lens securing structure 160 is secured to the protective clip 150. Of course, the contact lens can also be first placed in the protective clip 150 and the contact lens securing structure 160 is secured to the protective clip 150, and then the protective clip 150 is secured to the protective clip securing mechanism 113.

[0044] After entering the space station, you will be in a microgravity environment. In order to clean your contact lenses, first press and hold the drain button 140 to open the drain tube 130. The centrifugal force generated by the swinging will cause the lubricating liquid in the cleaning chamber 110 to enter the recovery chamber 120. Then release the drain button 140 to close the drain tube 130. Then, inject the cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber 110 through the cleaning liquid injection hole 1121 on the cleaning liquid injection outer cover 112 to submerge the contact lenses. Shake repeatedly to clean the contact lenses. Then, press and hold the drain button 140 to open the drain tube 130. The centrifugal force generated by the swinging will cause the cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber 110 to enter the recovery chamber 120. Then, release the drain button 140 to close the drain tube 130. Open the cleaning liquid injection outer cover 112 to remove the contact lenses to prevent the liquid from drifting away and affecting the normal operation of the equipment in the space station.

[0045] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0046] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0047] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "said," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] In this disclosure and the appended claims, "plurality" and "multiplicity" refer to two or more than two unless otherwise specified.

[0049] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations to the contact lens storage device disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is intended to encompass such modifications and variations as long as they fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A contact lens storage device for intraocular pressure monitoring used in manned spaceflight, characterized in that: include: a housing, wherein a cleaning chamber and a recovery chamber are provided in the housing, wherein a protective clip is fixedly provided in the cleaning chamber to secure the contact lens, the protective clip being concave in shape and conforming to the shape of the outer surface of the contact lens, and wherein a liquid adsorbent material is provided in the recovery chamber to recover cleaning liquid discharged from the cleaning chamber in a space environment; a top cover, the top cover covering and sealing the upper opening of the cleaning chamber; a liquid discharge device, the liquid discharge device comprising a liquid discharge pipe and a liquid discharge button, one end of the liquid discharge pipe being in fluid communication with the cleaning chamber, and the other end being in fluid communication with the recovery chamber, the liquid discharge button controlling the opening and closing of the liquid discharge pipe; as well as A deformation sensing device is used to detect the deformation of an intraocular pressure sensor in an intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens to monitor the failure of the intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens.

2. The intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a cleaning liquid injection outer cover, which is arranged between the cleaning chamber and the top cover and is detachably connected to the housing and the top cover; Wherein, a cleaning liquid injection hole and an exhaust hole are provided in the cleaning liquid injection outer cover, and the cleaning liquid injection hole is used to inject cleaning liquid into the cleaning cavity.

3. The intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the cleaning chamber is in a shape that gradually becomes smaller from top to bottom, and the end of the drainage pipe is connected to the center of the bottom surface of the cleaning chamber to facilitate the discharge of the cleaning liquid.

4. The intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid discharge button includes a pressing portion and a main body, wherein the main body includes a tapered section with a diameter gradually increasing in a direction away from the pressing portion; The pressing portion drives the main body to move between a first position and a second position; A button channel is provided in the housing for allowing the main body and the pressing portion to move therein, and the button channel passes through the liquid discharge pipe; Wherein, when the main body is located at the first position, the main body is in contact with the button channel, restricting the cleaning liquid from flowing through the drain pipe; When the main body is located at the second position, a gap exists between the main body and the button channel, allowing cleaning fluid to flow through the drain pipe.

5. The intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the cleaning chamber is provided with a protective clip fixing mechanism; The protective clip is provided with a protrusion radially outward, and the protective clip fixing structure is provided with a groove to accommodate the protrusion, so as to fix the protective clip to the protective clip fixing structure.

6. The intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A circular hole is provided at the center of the protective clip, and a plurality of gaps extend radially outward from the circular hole.

7. The intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A contact lens fixing structure is also included, which is used to be fixed to the protective clip and fix the contact lens between the protective clip and the contact lens fixing structure.

8. The intraocular pressure monitoring contact lens storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that: A plurality of gaps are provided in the contact lens fixing structure.

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