Elastomeric Eye Drop Applicator for Precise Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye drop applicators face challenges in delivering precise and consistent dosages, particularly for glaucoma treatment, due to difficulties in aiming and squeezing, leading to non-compliance and wastage, as they often require tilting the head and can result in drops being washed away by the blink reflex.
Innovation Solution
A handheld intermediate transfer device made of soft elastomeric material with a geometrical shape and surface modifications that forms and retains a liquid drop for accurate transfer onto the eye, allowing for rotation without drop loss, and can be used with any eye drop dispenser without tilting the head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional eye drop bottles with cone shaped nozzles are used, then drops can be dispensed, but the drop size varies and aiming is difficult leading to wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate transfer device (applicator) that receives drops from the conventional bottle and then transfers them to the eye. This intermediary component standardizes the transfer process, ensuring consistent drop delivery regardless of variations in bottle nozzle performance or user aiming accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the drop dispensing function from the conventional bottle system and places it in a dedicated applicator device. This separation allows the applicator to be optimized specifically for precise drop transfer, while the bottle simply serves as the storage and initial dispensing container.
2Ease of operation
If patients tilt their head back to apply drops, then drops can be administered, but the blink reflex washes away the drops reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed to be inserted into the conjunctival sac before the drop is released. This preliminary positioning ensures that the drop is delivered directly to the target area, preventing the blink reflex from washing it away. The device is prepared in advance and positioned correctly before the actual drop transfer occurs.
3Productivity
If conventional bottles are squeezed to dispense drops, then drops can be delivered, but patients with compromised manual dexterity cannot squeeze effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate functions: the bottle handles drop storage and initial dispensing, while the applicator handles precise transfer to the eye. This segmentation allows the bottle to be squeezed for drop formation without requiring the fine motor skills needed for precise eye targeting, making the process accessible to patients with compromised manual dexterity.
4Reliability
If multiple drops are applied to ensure adequate dosage, then treatment effectiveness improves, but cost increases and overdosing risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical squeezing action with a controlled transfer mechanism. The applicator uses capillary action and surface tension to transfer a precise amount of drop from the bottle to the eye, eliminating the need to estimate dosage through multiple drops and reducing both cost and overdosing risk.
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 device ensures that substantially all applied drops are transferred to the eye, reducing wastage and improving compliance by allowing easy and precise administration, even for users with compromised manual dexterity, and can handle various drop sizes.
Implementation Method 1
Surface tension and adhesion of the liquid drop will allow the end user to hold the transfer device in any position for transfer of the drop onto the eye
Implementation Method 2
Surface tension and adhesion of the liquid drop will allow the end user to hold the transfer device in any position for transfer of the drop onto the eye
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld applicator designed to transfer a liquid drop of ophthalmic medicament into a human eye. The basic structure comprises a finger grip section and a drop retainer section, preferably connected to the grip section with an extension. The device is made from an elastomeric material that will allow for the safe transfer of a liquid drop into the eye. A drop dispensed from a container is placed onto the drop retainer section of the device where the surface tension provides drop adhesion. The user may administer the drop, without having to tilt the head, while maintaining an eyeglass assisted view into a mirror. Application of the drop occurs from the peripheral line of vision. When contact is made to the eye, surface tension is relieved and the drop safely transfers into the eye. The same applicator may have a drop retainer section with a different structure on each side.