Biomedical Device Extraction Assembly Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for extracting extractable materials from polymerized biomedical devices, such as contact lenses, are inefficient and costly, requiring large amounts of extraction media and prolonged processing times, which can lead to adverse reactions in patients.

Innovation Solution

The development of biomedical device carriers with recesses and carrier spacing members that allow for close arrangement and efficient extraction of polymerized devices using reduced amounts of extraction media, enabling the simultaneous processing of multiple devices in a specified time frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional extraction methods are used with large amounts of extraction media, then extractable materials can be removed from polymerized biomedical devices, but production costs and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction effectivenessVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction system is segmented into multiple extraction stations arranged in series, where each station processes devices with a specific extraction media. This allows parallel processing of multiple devices through different stations, reducing overall processing time while maintaining extraction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional single-batch extraction to a multi-station conveyor-based system, adding the dimension of continuous flow and spatial arrangement. Devices move through multiple extraction stations in sequence, enabling simultaneous extraction of many devices with reduced media volume per device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional extraction methods are used with large amounts of extraction media, then extractable materials can be removed from polymerized biomedical devices, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction effectivenessVSAvoidextraction media consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction process is divided into multiple stations, each using optimized amounts of extraction media for specific extraction stages. This segmentation allows precise control of media consumption at each stage, reducing total media usage while maintaining overall extraction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs different extraction media with varying properties at different extraction stations. By changing media parameters (composition, concentration, flow rate) at each station, the system achieves effective extraction with reduced total media consumption compared to using a single large volume of media.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If polymerized biomedical devices are processed individually, then extraction can be performed, but productivity and manufacturing efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the extraction process into multiple independent stations that can process devices simultaneously. Multiple devices traverse different stations in parallel, enabling high-volume processing while each device receives individualized extraction treatment, thus maintaining quality while increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor-based system enables continuous processing of polymerized biomedical devices through multiple extraction stations without interruption. Devices move continuously from one station to the next, eliminating idle time between processing steps and maximizing manufacturing productivity while maintaining extraction quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 approach significantly reduces production costs and time by allowing for the efficient extraction of extractable components from a large number of polymerized biomedical devices with minimal extraction media, enhancing manufacturing productivity.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the plurality of polymerized biomedical devices with a liquid extraction composition to remove an extractable component from the plurality of polymerized biomedical devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

The recesses of the first biomedical device carrier and the convex surfaces of the second biomedical device carrier define a cavity therebetween to accommodate the polymerized biomedical device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP1982826B1Assembly and method for extracting extractable materials from polymerized biomedical devices
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 COOPERVISION INT LTD
  • EP1982826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1982826B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1982826B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A biomedical device carrier includes multiple recesses for holding a plurality of polymerized biomedical devices, such as polymerized ophthalmic lenses, during an extraction procedure. A biomedical device extraction assembly includes multiple biomedical device carriers. The structure of the individual carriers and the arrangement of the carriers in the assembly provide sufficient extraction of an extractable component from the biomedical devices during an extraction procedure using relatively small amounts of extraction media per biomedical device. Methods of extracting biomedical devices include providing polymerized biomedical devices in the present carriers and assemblies and contacting the devices with an extraction composition.