Eye Drop Dispensing Apparatus with Alignment and Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-administering eye drops can be challenging for individuals with tremors, reduced mobility, weak hand strength, or those with conditions like Parkinson's disease or arthritis, as they struggle to align the dropper and apply the correct pressure for dispensing a precise amount of solution.

Innovation Solution

An eye drop dispensing apparatus with a housing and actuator system that includes a receptacle for a cartridge, featuring an alignment feature for precise positioning over the eye and an actuator that moves between positions to deform the cartridge and dispense a predetermined quantity of solution, facilitating controlled dispensing for users with limited dexterity or strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional eye dropper is used, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but individuals with tremors or reduced mobility have trouble aligning the dropper above the eye

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedropper alignmentVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary alignment mechanism that includes a support structure and alignment feature. This intermediary component assists the user in positioning the dropper correctly by providing physical guidance and stabilization, thereby improving alignment accuracy without requiring the user to manually aim the dropper alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated or assisted alignment system. The alignment feature and support structure work together to automatically position the dropper above the eye, substituting the user's manual aiming action with a mechanical guidance system that is more reliable for individuals with tremors or reduced mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a traditional eye dropper is used, then the device is simple, but those with weak hand strength have difficulty applying a select amount of pressure to dispense drops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure applicationVSAvoidactuator mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary actuator mechanism that mediates between the user's hand and the dropper. This actuator provides mechanical advantage, allowing users with weak hand strength to apply sufficient pressure to dispense drops by converting small hand movements into the necessary force through the actuator's mechanical transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct manual pressure application with an assisted mechanical system. The actuator mechanism substitutes the user's direct hand pressure with a controlled mechanical pressing action, enabling individuals with weak hand strength to dispense drops accurately by using the actuator's amplified force rather than relying solely on hand strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If a traditional eye dropper is used, then the device is simple, but it is difficult to dispense a precise amount of solution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrop quantity controlVSAvoiddispensing control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and control the dispensing process. The actuator and control system work together to provide real-time feedback on the dispensing quantity, allowing precise control by adjusting the actuator's movement or the dropper's position based on feedback signals to achieve the desired drop amount.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces uncontrolled manual dispensing with a controlled mechanical system. The actuator mechanism substitutes random or imprecise hand pressure with a controlled mechanical pressing action that can be precisely regulated, enabling accurate dispensing of a select amount of solution through mechanical control rather than manual dexterity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 apparatus enables accurate and controlled dispensing of eye drops, improving usability for individuals with motor skill or strength limitations by aligning the dropper and providing the necessary pressure for a precise amount of solution, enhancing accessibility and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

the actuator deforms the cartridge by a select amount to dispense a predetermined quantity of solution from the cartridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20220054311A1Eye Drop Dispensing Apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.02.24 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

AI summary

An apparatus for dispensing eye drops can comprise a housing that defines a receptacle. The receptacle can be configured to receive a cartridge having a solution therein. An actuator can be movable between a first position and a second position. The actuator can be positioned with respect to the receptacle so that, when the cartridge is received in the receptacle and the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position, the actuator deforms the cartridge by a select amount to dispense a predetermined quantity of solution from the cartridge.