Integrated Contact Lens Case With Hinged Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contact lens care systems are inconvenient due to separate containers for solution and lens case, leading to issues with storage, portability, leakage, and ease of use, and lack aesthetic appeal and secure closure.

Innovation Solution

A contact lens case with a base and hingedly connected cover that forms a fluid-impermeable seal, providing a single container solution for storage, transport, and treatment, with ergonomic design and sensory feedback for secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate containers for lens care solution and lens case are used, then treatment and storage functions are provided, but portability and convenience deteriorate due to organization challenges and risk of misplacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment and storage functionVSAvoidportability and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lens case and lens care solution container into a single integrated unit. The lens case is positioned within the solution container, creating a unified structure that eliminates the need to separately organize and carry two containers, thereby improving portability while maintaining both treatment and storage functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated lens care system serves multiple functions within a single container: it stores the lens care solution, holds the lens case with contact lenses, provides treatment capability, and offers storage functionality. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate containers while enhancing convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate containers for lens care solution and lens case are used, then treatment and storage functions are provided, but storage organization deteriorates due to separate shelf or counter space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment and storage functionVSAvoidshelf or counter space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the lens case and solution container into one integrated unit, the patent reduces the total space required for storage. Instead of requiring separate shelf space for two containers, the integrated design occupies a single, compact footprint, improving storage organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If known lens cases are used, then lens storage is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to leakage susceptibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidsolution leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lens case is nested within the solution container, creating a hierarchical containment structure. This nested arrangement provides an additional layer of protection against leakage, as the outer container can contain any potential leaks from the inner lens case, thereby improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of operation

If known lens cases are used, then lens storage is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in opening and closing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening and closing convenienceVSAvoidclosure mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated lens care system is designed to be easily operable by the user without requiring complex manipulation. The lens case can be easily removed from and reinserted into the solution container, and the integrated design allows for simple opening and closing actions, improving ease of operation while maintaining secure closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances portability, convenience, and aesthetic appeal by integrating lens care solution and storage, reducing leakage, and providing easy one-handed operation with sensory confirmation of closure.

Implementation Method 1

a gasket, forming a fluid-impermeable seal around the well when the cover is in its closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS7540376B2Contact lens case

Publication Date: 2009.06.02 ALCON INC

AI summary

A contact lens case including a body or base portion with a pair of lens-receiving wells recessed therein, a cap or cover closable to form a substantially liquid-impermeable seal around the wells, and a latch or closure assembly engageable to secure the cover in its closed position. A compressible gasket around the wells assists in forming the seal with the cover. The wells include a primary bowl portion with a tapered secondary portion extending therefrom to assist in lens removal.