Disposable Eye Drop Applicator With Inverted Bowl And Light-Proof Pulp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye drop applicators do not provide a comfortable and secure method for administering eye drops, especially for self-administration, children, and elderly or incapacitated patients, and there is a need for a disposable and hygienic option.
Innovation Solution
A resiliently deformable plastic or disposable pulp-based eye drop applicator with an inverted bowl shape and a central tapering opening, designed for easy grip and light-proof operation, featuring a handle for secure placement over the eye and accommodating various bottle sizes, which can be washed or used once and disposed of.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a reusable eye drop applicator is used, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but hygiene and cross-contamination risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by providing a single-use eye drop applicator made from inexpensive pulp material. The applicator is designed to be discarded after one use, eliminating cross-contamination risks while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of low-cost, recyclable materials. The entire applicator including the eye cup and handle is disposable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by allowing the applicator to be discarded after single use while the pulp material can be recovered and recycled. The applicator is made from pulp that can be processed and reused, combining the benefits of disposability for hygiene with environmental sustainability through material recovery.
2Measurement precision
If a light-proof eye drop applicator is used, then accuracy of drop placement is improved, but material selection and manufacturing complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optical properties of the applicator material. The pulp material is treated or selected to be light-proof, changing its transparency parameter from transparent to opaque. This simple parameter change achieves light-proof functionality without complex manufacturing processes or additional components.
3Ease of operation
If a resiliently deformable plastic applicator is used, then ease of operation and grip are improved, but environmental sustainability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the mechanical properties of the pulp material. The pulp is treated to achieve resilient deformability similar to plastic, changing its elasticity and flexibility parameters. This allows the applicator to be gripped and manipulated easily while maintaining the environmental benefits of using renewable, biodegradable pulp material instead of conventional plastic.
Data Source
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AI summary
An eye drop applicator comprise a body (1) of generally inverted bowl shape formed of an opaque material with an opening (3) in the top of the inverted bowl into which the top of a bottle of eye drops can be inserted.