Hydrodynamic Ocular Fluid Dispensing With Hermetic Check-Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing preservative-free dispensing bottles require high squeeze forces and must be used in an upside-down orientation, posing challenges for elderly or dexterity-impaired patients.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery device with a check valve and vibration motor that uses hydrodynamic pulses to dispense fluid effortlessly in any orientation, featuring a hermetically sealed chamber and antibacterial coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve mechanism is used to seal the dispensing nozzle and prevent bacterial ingress, then preservative-free dispensing is achieved, but much higher squeeze force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical squeeze-actuated valve system with an electrical switch that actuates a piston to open the valve. This substitution eliminates the need for high squeeze forces while maintaining the hermetic seal, as the electrical actuation provides precise control with minimal force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary piston mechanism between the electrical switch and the valve. The piston translates electrical actuation into mechanical movement to open the valve, serving as a mediator that reduces the force transmission requirement from the user while still achieving valve opening.
2Ease of operation
If the dispenser requires upside-down orientation for dispensing, then the valve mechanism can function, but inconvenient head maneuver is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the dispensing system dynamically adaptable to different orientations by using an electrical actuation system that works regardless of gravity's direction. The piston and valve mechanism can be actuated electrically in any orientation, eliminating the need for fixed upside-down positioning and allowing flexible use in various positions.
3Reliability
If high actuation force is required to open the valve, then the hermetic seal is maintained, but elderly patients or those lacking strength experience problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical squeeze action with an electrical actuation system. The electrical switch actuates a piston that opens the valve with minimal force, making the system accessible to elderly patients while maintaining the hermetic seal through the same valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical actuation system provides self-service operation where the user simply needs to activate the electrical switch rather than exert significant physical force. The system automatically handles the valve opening and closing mechanisms, reducing the physical burden on the user while maintaining seal integrity.
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
Enables convenient, cost-effective, and preservative-free dispensing with reduced actuation force, preventing bacterial ingress, and ensuring precise dosing.
Implementation Method 1
The oscillations of the chamber impart momentum to the fluid stored in the chamber which in turn imparts force that cyclically opens the valve to dispense streams or liquid droplets
Implementation Method 2
The chamber includes a vibration motor that induces oscillations to the chamber and to the fluid within
Implementation Method 3
The valve is normally closed and hermetically seals the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-dose preservative-free ocular fluid delivery devices are provided. The fluid delivery device includes a fluid dispensing system and a fluid package for storing a liquid therein and supplying said liquid to the dispensing system. The dispensing system comprises an elongated chamber which includes a check valve which defines a frontal closure to the chamber. The valve is normally closed and hermetically seals the chamber. The dispenser includes a vibration motor that induces oscillations to the chamber and to the fluid within. The oscillations of the chamber impart momentum to the fluid stored in the chamber which in turn imparts force that cyclically opens the valve to dispense streams or liquid droplets. Fluid is dispensed only when the motor oscillates while otherwise the valve is hermetically closed.