Foamed Eye Drop Device Reducing Medication Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
The standard method of delivering eye medication through drops results in significant waste due to inefficient diffusion and removal of the medication, especially when the user blinks or does not apply the drops vertically.
Innovation Solution
A device that foams eye medication by mixing it with surfactants and air, allowing for precise delivery of a foamed dosage that increases the medication's residence time on the eye, reducing waste and improving absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If standard eye drops are applied, then the application process is simple, but the medication is wasted due to insufficient diffusion time and removal upon blinking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the medication from liquid to foam. This parameter change increases the residence time of medication on the eye surface by forming a stable foam layer that does not immediately drain or evaporate, thereby reducing medication waste while maintaining simple application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary substance mixed with the liquid medication to create foam. This intermediary allows the medication to be delivered in a foam form that adheres better to the eye surface and remains in contact longer, reducing waste without complicating the application process
2Quantity of substance
If larger volume of eye drops is applied to ensure adequate drug diffusion, then absorption may improve, but more medication is wasted when excess volume is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from liquid to foam, which allows a larger effective volume of medication to remain on the eye surface. The foam structure traps the medication in bubbles that adhere to the eye, enabling greater quantity of drug to be delivered without proportionally increasing waste
3Manufacturing precision
If the user looks vertically up without blinking to maximize drug absorption, then absorption improves, but this requires precise user technique and timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the medication form to foam, which naturally adheres to the eye surface and does not require precise positioning or blinking control to remain effective. The foam's physical properties ensure it stays in contact with the eye regardless of minor user movements, making application more forgiving and easier to perform correctly
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 foamed medication ensures a higher absorption rate by maintaining a longer contact time on the eye surface, reducing waste and enhancing the effectiveness of the medication, even with blinking, and allowing for a reduced volume of medication to achieve the desired effect.
Implementation Method 1
A foaming chamber is positioned within the interior space and in fluid communication with the nozzle. The air and liquid eye medication are mixed in the foaming chamber and exit the nozzle as foamed medication
Implementation Method 2
the medication is already mixed with an optimal concentration of surfactants such that foaming is enhanced (as opposed to being suppressed) during application
Data Source
AI summary
A device for delivering foamed eye medication to an eye includes a housing defining an interior space for receiving liquid eye medication and air. A nozzle has a passage in fluid communication with the interior space. A foaming chamber is positioned within the interior space and in fluid communication with the nozzle. The air and liquid eye medication are mixed in the foaming chamber and exit the nozzle as foamed medication in response to pressurizing the interior space.