Deformable Cap for Pressure Venting in Contact Lens Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact lens care systems require separate vent and seal components to manage gas discharge during the disinfection process, which complicates manufacturing and operation.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece, integrally molded lens care system with a deformable cap that forms a liquid-tight seal and temporarily vents excess gas generated during disinfection by flexing under pressure, eliminating the need for separate vent and seal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate vent and seal components are used to manage gas discharge, then gas venting function is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal component and vent component into a single integrated cap structure. The cap includes a sealing surface that engages with the container to prevent liquid leakage, and simultaneously includes a deformable panel that can flex outward to vent gas pressure. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate vent and seal components, reducing device complexity while maintaining both sealing and gas discharge capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: it provides liquid-tight sealing through its sealing surface, allows gas discharge through the deformable panel mechanism, and maintains structural integrity. This universal design enables a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized parts, simplifying both the device structure and manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If a water-tight seal is formed to prevent leakage, then liquid sealing is improved, but gas discharge is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates a dynamic deformable panel that can change its state based on internal pressure conditions. Under normal conditions, the panel remains in a sealed position maintaining liquid-tight closure. When gas pressure builds up during the disinfection process, the panel flexes outward to vent the excess pressure, then returns to its sealed position when pressure equalizes. This dynamic behavior allows the seal to adapt to varying pressure conditions, preventing both leakage and dangerous pressure buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable panel's physical state changes in response to pressure parameter variations. The panel transitions from a rigid sealed state to a flexed venting state when internal gas pressure exceeds a certain threshold, allowing gas to escape. This parameter-based state change enables automatic pressure regulation without compromising the liquid seal, as the panel's deformation is controlled by pressure differential rather than liquid contact.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for venting and sealing, then functional reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing surface and deformable venting panel into a single cap component that can be manufactured as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for assembly operations involving multiple small components, reducing manufacturing steps and potential assembly errors. The integrated design maintains both sealing and venting functions while simplifying production, particularly for injection molding or other integral manufacturing processes.
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 enables efficient and cost-effective manufacturing while ensuring effective gas release without liquid leakage, improving the operational efficiency of contact lens care systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes pressure generated by the decomposition of the lens care solution to resiliently and temporarily deform or flex the cap to allow periodic release or 'burping' of gas generated by the cleaning and disinfecting process
Implementation Method 2
The oxygen produced from decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the cleaning solution typically must be allowed to discharge from the container in some manner
Implementation Method 3
The closure of the cap on the container cup may form a water-tight seal, to prevent leakage of the cleaning solution
Data Source
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AI summary
A lens care system and method for venting gas to release pressure from a container, such as generated in peroxide-based lens treatment. A seal formed between a deformable cap and a container cup prevents release of liquid, but deformation of the cap under the influence of pressure generated within the container temporarily releases the seal to permit venting of gas.