Detachable Eye Shield Anchors for Tape-Free Patient Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of tape to affix eye shields to patients is costly, causes skin sensitivity and irritation, and is not reusable, making it unpleasant for patients.
Innovation Solution
A detachable and re-attachable eye shield system using magnets or snap attachments that connect to semi-permanent anchors on the patient's face, allowing the shield to be easily removed and reattached without removing the anchors from the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tape is used to affix the eye shield to the patient's face, then the shield can be securely attached, but the tape causes skin sensitivity and irritation and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment system consisting of anchors with adhesive backs that are applied to the patient's skin, and corresponding magnetic or mechanical attachment features on the eye shield. This intermediary system replaces direct tape-to-skin contact with a reusable anchor-based mechanism, eliminating skin irritation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tape system with a magnetic attachment system. Magnets embedded in the eye shield interact with magnetic elements in the anchors, providing secure attachment without adhesive contact with the skin. This mechanical-to-magnetic substitution eliminates skin irritation while maintaining attachment reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If tape is used to affix the eye shield, then the shield can be attached, but the tape is not reusable and presents ongoing cost issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment system into separate reusable components: anchors that remain on the patient's skin and eye shield components that can be removed and reattached. This segmentation allows the attachment system to be reused multiple times, eliminating the need for disposable tape while maintaining ease of attachment through the anchor-based mechanism.
3Reliability
If the eye shield is permanently affixed to the patient, then protection is continuous, but the eye cannot be easily examined by doctors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic attachment system where the eye shield can be easily attached and detached from the anchors. The magnetic or mechanical attachment features allow for quick removal during medical examinations while maintaining secure attachment during normal use, providing both continuous protection and easy accessibility.
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
Provides a cost-effective, comfortable, and reusable solution that reduces skin irritation by eliminating the need for tape, while allowing easy access for medical examinations.
Implementation Method 1
an attachment system that is configured to selectively attach and detach the eye shield to and from a semi-permanent anchor that is affixed to the patient's face
Implementation Method 2
a first anchor and a second anchor each comprising an adhesive configured to affix the respective anchor to the person's skin
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable medical device assembly for therapeutic treatment of a person includes: a wearable medical device configured to be applied over a portion of the person; a first anchor and a second anchor each including an adhesive configured to affix the respective anchor to the person's skin; and an attachment system that selectively attaches the wearable medical device to the first anchor and the second anchor, wherein the attachment system permits the wearable medical device to be detached from, and re-attached to, one or both of the anchors while both of the anchors remain affixed to the person's skin.