Eye Wetting Dispenser Position Sensing for Accurate Drop Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye wetting devices struggle with inconsistent liquid delivery due to varying distances and user dexterity issues, particularly for those with impaired vision or limited manual skills.
Innovation Solution
A device with a reservoir, orientable dispensing device, and triggering mechanism, equipped with a sensing means to automatically detect and ensure precise positioning for accurate liquid application, independent of user vision or dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of the device is used, then the device can be operated without additional components, but the distance from the eye varies leading to inconsistent liquid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a sensor that detects when the dispensing nozzle is at the correct distance from the eye and provides feedback (visual or acoustic signal) to the user. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent positioning without requiring manual measurement skills, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated optical or electromagnetic sensing system. The sensor detects eye presence and distance automatically, substituting the need for manual dexterity and visual acuity with an automated detection system, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise positioning.
2Measurement precision
If auxiliary devices like lenses or mirrors are added to ensure correct positioning, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function directly into the dispensing device housing. The sensor, processor, and actuator are integrated into a single unified device that attaches to existing eyeglasses, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary components like external lenses or mirrors. This integration maintains positioning precision while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a dispensing mechanism for liquid and a sensing system for positioning. The same housing that contains the dispensing nozzle also houses the sensor and processor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining precise positioning capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If auxiliary devices are added to assist positioning, then positioning precision improves, but the number of components and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-positioning through automated sensing and actuation. The sensor detects when the device is correctly positioned relative to the eye, and the system automatically activates the dispensing mechanism without requiring the user to manually adjust positioning or interpret visual cues. This self-service capability maintains precision while simplifying operation for users with limited dexterity or vision.
4Measurement precision
If a steady hand is required to use the device, then positioning precision can be maintained, but the device becomes difficult to use for users with limited manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for manual steady-hand positioning with an automated sensing system. The sensor continuously monitors the distance between the nozzle and eye, and the system automatically maintains the correct positioning. This substitution eliminates the requirement for users to have steady hands or good manual dexterity, thereby improving user adaptability while maintaining positioning precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The device (1) for wetting the eye (2) with a liquid (F) comprises a reservoir (3) for storage of the liquid (F), a dispensing device (4) which is feedable from said reservoir (3) and which is orientable to the eye (2), and a triggering device (5) which activates same. The device (1) comprises a means for sensing (6) of a suitable position of the dispensing device (4) in relation to the eye (2) for wetting. The method for wetting the eye (2) with a liquid (F) comprises the step of continuously detecting the position of a dispensing device (4) designed to withdraw a liquid (F) from a reservoir (3) and to use it for wetting the eye (2). A means for sensing (6) transmits a signal when a suitable position of the dispensing device (4) in relation to the eye (2) for wetting has been sensed.