Crosslinked Polymer Cleaning Surface for Hydrogel Particulate Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning methods for hydrogel materials, such as contact lenses, are inadequate in removing micron and sub-micron particulates without damaging the hydrogel surface, and often require harsh chemicals or mechanical rubbing, which can weaken the material.

Innovation Solution

A solvent-free cleaning system using a polymer substrate with a crosslinked matrix that absorbs, transfers, and removes particulates without damaging the material, utilizing biocompatible polymers like PDMS and emitting disinfecting light to enhance cleaning efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If solution-based cleaning methods are used, then some contaminants are removed, but micron and sub-micron particulates remain on the surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidresidual particulates

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cleaning cloth made of hydrogel material serves as an intermediary between the contact lens and the user's hand during cleaning. The hydrogel cloth mechanically removes particulates through controlled friction while its porous structure absorbs cleaning solutions, providing a mediating cleaning action that is gentler than direct finger rubbing yet more effective than solution alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system uses a composite approach combining hydrogel material with cleaning solutions. The hydrogel provides structural integrity and gentle mechanical action, while the cleaning solution chemically breaks down contaminants. This composite cleaning mechanism addresses both particulate and chemical contamination effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If mechanical rubbing is used to remove particulates, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the hydrogel surface is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate removalVSAvoidhydrogel surface integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning cloth is made of flexible hydrogel material that can conform to the curved surface of the contact lens. This flexible thin film structure allows gentle mechanical cleaning through elastic deformation rather than rigid friction, removing particulates without causing surface damage to the hydrogel lens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameters of the cleaning interface by using a soft, compliant hydrogel cloth instead of rigid fingers. The hydrogel cloth's elasticity and softness modify the friction characteristics, enabling effective particulate removal through controlled mechanical action that remains below the damage threshold for the contact lens surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If harsh chemicals are used for cleaning, then particulate removal improves, but the hydrogel material is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant removalVSAvoidhydrogel material strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning solution parameters are optimized to be mild yet effective - using isotonic formulations with appropriate pH and ionic strength that match physiological conditions. This allows chemical breakdown of contaminants without compromising the hydrogel polymer structure or causing material degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogel cleaning cloth creates a protective interface between the contact lens and harsh environmental conditions. The hydrogel material itself acts as a barrier that prevents direct exposure to potentially damaging substances while still allowing effective cleaning action to occur on the lens surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 system effectively removes micron and sub-micron particulates from hydrogel surfaces without using solvents or high shear forces, maintaining the integrity of the material and providing a more efficient and repeatable cleaning process.

Implementation Method 1

The crosslinked matrix can be positioned on at least one surface of the polymer substrate and configured to absorb, transfer, remove, and/or extract particulates from a surface of a material when placed in direct contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The crosslinked matrix can be configured to absorb, transfer, remove, and/or extract particulates from a surface of a material when placed in direct contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransfer:

Data Source

PatentUS12570930B2Methods and systems for solvent-free cleaning of surfaces

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 GEORGIA TECH RES CORP

AI summary

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides solvent-free cleaning systems and methods, the systems and methods comprise a polymer substrate having a crosslinked matrix positioned on at least one surface of the polymer substrate, wherein the crosslinked matrix is configured to absorb particulates from a surface of a material when placed in direct contact.