Dry Contact Lens Assembly for Independent Sterilization and Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contact lenses are limited by their configuration, which restricts their development and performance, particularly in terms of sterilization and water content adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A forming method for contact lenses involving a preparation, sterilization, and wetting step, where a dry contact lens is placed in a sealed cup with a sealing layer, sterilized independently, and then immersed in a wetting liquid to achieve a higher water content, allowing for independent sterilization of the lens and liquid components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional contact lens is sealed in a space with a cup-shaped structure and sealing layer filled with contact lens solution, then the contact lens can be stored and transported, but the development and performance optimization of the contact lens is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens system is divided into separate components: a dry contact lens and a separate wetting liquid container. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's properties and sterilization processes, while maintaining a relatively simple storage configuration with a cup-shaped structure and sealing layer.
2Reliability
If the contact lens and solution are sterilized together in the same space, then the process is simple, but the sterilization requirements of both components cannot be independently optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization process is segmented into two independent stages: dry sterilization of the contact lens in the cup-shaped structure, and separate sterilization of the wetting liquid. This allows each component to undergo sterilization optimized for its specific requirements without compromising the other component's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lens undergoes dry sterilization in advance before the wetting liquid is added. This preliminary sterilization action ensures the lens is sterile while allowing the wetting liquid to be sterilized separately using methods appropriate for liquid sterilization, thereby optimizing both sterilization processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the contact lens is stored in a dry state with low water content, then it maintains structural stability during storage, but it cannot be directly worn on the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens is pre-prepared in a dry state with optimized structural stability for storage and transport. Before use, the wetting liquid is added to hydrate the lens, transforming it from a stable storage state to a wearable state. This preliminary preparation allows the lens to maintain its shape and properties during storage while being easily activated for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The water content of the contact lens is changed from a low state suitable for storage to a high state suitable for wearing. The dry contact lens has low water content maintaining structural stability, while after adding wetting liquid, the water content increases to levels appropriate for eye contact and comfort.
4Ease of operation
If the contact lens is made with high water content from the beginning, then it is comfortable for eye wear, but it is difficult to sterilize and maintain during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens is initially manufactured and stored in a dry state with low water content, which provides structural stability and ease of sterilization. Before use, the wetting liquid is added to achieve the high water content necessary for eye comfort. This preliminary dry state allows for reliable sterilization and storage, while the final wet state provides comfort.
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 method enables expanded development of contact lenses by ensuring optimal performance of both the dry and wet contact lenses through independent sterilization processes, maintaining high sterility and water content without cracks.
Implementation Method 1
After the dry contact lens is immersed in the wetting liquid for a predetermined period of time, the dry contact lens becomes a wet contact lens that is configured to be worn on a human eye and that has a second water content greater than the first water content
Data Source
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AI summary
A contact lens assembly (100) includes a cup (11), a dry contact lens (12a, 12b) that is not for being worn on an eye (E), a sealing layer (13) removably connected to the cup (11), and a wetting liquid supply (2). The sealing layer (13) and the cup (11) jointly form an enclosed space (14) that receives the dry contact lens (12a, 12b) therein and that does not accommodate any liquid. After at least one of the sealing layer (13) and the cup (11) produces an opening (15), the cup (11) can receive a wetting liquid (21) from the wetting liquid supply (2) through the opening (15), such that the dry contact lens (12a, 12b) is immersed in the wetting liquid (21) to form a wet contact lens (3) that is suitable for being worn on the eye (E) and that has a water content greater than a water content of the dry contact lens (12a, 12b).