Laser-Drilled Dropper Channel for Controlled SFA Eye Drops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drop dispensers are not suitable for administering semifluorinated alkanes (SFAs) due to uncontrolled release caused by the special surface properties of SFAs, such as high spreading capabilities, high density, and low surface tension, leading to unreliable and uncontrolled administration of ophthalmic compositions.
Innovation Solution
A drop dispenser with a container part and a dropper part connected by an outflow channel, where the first section of the outflow channel is generated by laser drilling, allowing for controlled and reproducible administration of liquid compositions, including SFAs, by varying the inner diameters of the outflow channel sections to manage the release of drops effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pressure method or inversion method is used to administer ophthalmic compositions, then water-based compositions can be easily dispensed, but SFA-based compositions are released in an uncontrolled manner due to high spreading capabilities, high density, and low surface tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the outflow channel by laser-drilling a first section with a specific inner diameter (0.09-0.19 mm) that is smaller than the distal end diameter (0.1-3 mm). This parameter change in the channel geometry creates capillary pressure that counteracts the high spreading capability and low surface tension of SFAs, enabling controlled drop release while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical pressure method (squeezing) or gravity-based inversion method with a capillary-driven system. The laser-drilled first section creates capillary forces that automatically control the release of SFA-based compositions, substituting uncontrolled mechanical/gravity-based dispensing with controlled capillary action
2Ease of manufacture
If the outflow channel has a uniform large diameter for easy filling, then liquid composition can be easily introduced, but uncontrolled spontaneous droplet formation occurs at the distal end
Solution Approach 1:
The outflow channel is segmented into two distinct sections: a first section (5a) laser-drilled with a small inner diameter (0.09-0.19 mm) for controlled drop formation, and a second section (5b) with a larger distal end diameter (0.1-3 mm) for easy filling. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the outflow channel are given different local qualities: the first section has a small diameter to prevent spontaneous droplet formation and ensure controlled release, while the second section has a larger diameter to facilitate easy filling. This local differentiation of properties solves the contradiction between ease of filling and controlled drop formation
3Reliability
If a smaller outflow channel diameter is used to control drop release, then spontaneous droplet formation is reduced, but the force required to press the liquid composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outflow channel is divided into a first section (5a) with small diameter (0.09-0.19 mm) for controlled drop release and a second section (5b) with larger diameter for easy filling. This segmentation allows the small-diameter section to control drop formation while the larger second section reduces the force required to press the liquid composition through the channel
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 drop dispenser ensures reliable, controlled, and reproducible administration of SFA-based compositions in therapeutically relevant volumes, reducing spontaneous droplet formation and minimizing liquid loss, and functions effectively across various temperatures and headspace volumes.
Implementation Method 1
the first section (5a) of the outflow channel (5) is generated by laser drilling
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drop dispenser (1), comprising: - a container part (IB) with an interior volume adapted to be partially filled with a liquid phase (2) and a gaseous phase (3) filling the remainder of the interior volume at ambient pressure, the container part (IB) having a displaceable section (1C), and - a dropper part (1A) in physical connection and in fluid communication with the interior volume of the container part (IB), comprising an outflow channel (5), connecting the interior volume of the container part (IB) to the environment; wherein the outflow channel (5) comprises - a first section (5a) having a proximal end (5ap) and a distal end (5ad), each end having the same or different inner diameter selected independently from each other in the range of 0.09 to 0.19 mm; and - a second section (5b) having a proximal end (5bp) and a distal end (5bd); the proximal end (5bp) having an inner diameter in the range of 1 to 3 mm; the distal end (5bd) having an inner diameter in the range of 0.1 to 3 mm, with the proviso that the inner diameter at the distal end of the second section (5bd) is larger than the inner diameter at the proximal end of the first section (5ap); and wherein - the first section (5a) of the outflow channel (5) is generated by laser drilling.