Absorption Pad Support for Ophthalmic Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic liquid dispensing devices face contamination issues due to particle generation during the assembly of the absorption pad, which can lead to the administration of harmful particles into the eye.

Innovation Solution

The absorption pad is fixed to a support made of a stronger material than the pad itself, reducing particle generation during assembly and preventing particles from being trapped inside the protective cap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the absorption pad is directly mounted in the protective cap, then the device structure is simpler, but particles are generated during assembly that can contaminate the product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidparticle generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A support structure made of stronger material is introduced as an intermediary between the absorption pad and the protective cap. This support serves as a mounting platform that prevents direct contact and friction between the friable absorption pad and the protective cap, thereby eliminating particle generation during assembly while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the absorption pad is made of friable material for better absorption, then absorption performance is improved, but particle generation during handling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption performanceVSAvoidparticle generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure acts as a protective intermediary that holds the friable absorption pad during assembly operations. By providing a rigid mounting platform, the support enables the absorption pad to maintain its friable, high-performance material properties without generating particles during handling and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The material strength parameter of the mounting structure is changed from soft (direct pad mounting) to hard (support structure), which fundamentally alters the friction and particle generation characteristics during assembly while preserving the absorption pad's original material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If particles are generated during assembly, then contamination of the product occurs, but adding a support structure increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct contaminationVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure serves as a simple intermediary component that prevents particle generation and product contamination. Its design is intentionally minimalistic, providing only the necessary mounting function without adding complex mechanisms, thus achieving contamination prevention with minimal increase in device complexity.

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

This solution effectively limits the quantity of particles that can contaminate the ophthalmic product, reducing the risk of administering harmful particles into the eye and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Implementation Method 1

The protective cap comprises an absorption pad... made in such a way that residual liquid is absorbed by the pad

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

particles from the pad may be generated, in particular by friction occurring when handling the pad on the protective cap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3119529B2Liquid-dispensing device comprising a protective cap
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 NEMERA LA VERPILLIERE SAS
  • EP3119529B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3119529B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3119529B2 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a liquid-dispensing device (10) comprising a cap (12) for protecting a liquid-dispensing opening (22), the protective cap (12) being provided with a pad (36) for absorbing residual liquid, made of an absorbent material, said absorbent pad (36) being fastened to a support (42) made of a more resistant material than the absorbent pad, said support (42) being furthermore fastened in the protective cap (12).