Lens Care Container with Bioelectronic Sensor for Germ and pH Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens care containers lack a mechanism to indicate when they are no longer safe for use due to germ contamination and fail to inform users about the completion of the disinfecting process, posing health risks from incomplete neutralization of lens care liquids.
Innovation Solution
Integration of printable bioelectronic sensors within the container to detect germ loading and pH levels of the lens care liquid, allowing users to determine when the container is no longer safe for use and when the disinfecting process is complete, using wireless technologies for easy read-out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lens care containers are used repeatedly over time, then manufacturing cost is reduced and environmental impact is lowered, but the risk of germ contamination increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating sensors that detect germ contamination and pH levels before the container becomes unsafe. The system performs preliminary detection of harmful conditions (germ loading, pH changes) and provides early warning to users, allowing them to dispose of or clean the container before actual contamination occurs. This proactive approach maintains safety while extending usable duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that continuously monitor the container's internal environment and provide real-time information to users via wireless communication. The pH sensor and germ detection sensor create feedback loops that inform users about the current safety status, enabling informed decisions about continued use. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by making safety status transparent throughout the container's lifecycle.
2Loss of information
If sensors are integrated into the container to detect germs and pH levels, then safety and information availability improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with chemical and biological sensors. Instead of mechanical indicators that require manual checking, the system uses pH sensors and germ detection sensors that automatically detect conditions through chemical reactions and biological responses. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving information availability about container safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary elements between the lens care liquid and the user. These sensors act as mediators that translate complex chemical and biological conditions (pH levels, germ presence) into simple, actionable information for users. The wireless communication module serves as another intermediary, bridging the gap between sensor data and user notification, thereby simplifying the overall system interface.
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
Ensures user safety by identifying when the container should be disposed of due to germ contamination and confirming the completion of the disinfecting process, preventing potential eye reactions from incomplete neutralization.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to indicate an actual loading of the container with germs
Implementation Method 2
configured to indicate a pH value of the lens care liquid in the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A lens care container (1), in particular for contact lenses such as hard or soft contact lenses, comprises:a receptacle (2) for receiving a lens and a lens care liquid,a cap (3) configured to be attached to the receptacle (2) to close the receptacle (2),a sensor (5) configured to indicate an actual loading of the container (1) with germs or configured to indicate a pH value of the lens care liquid in the receptacle (2).The sensor (5) is arranged in the receptacle (2) when the cap (3) is attached to the receptacle (2).