Contact Lens Manipulator Suction Cup Safety Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact lens manipulators face challenges in accurately controlling suction force for both insertion and removal of RGP and hybrid contact lenses, often requiring excessive manual dexterity and risking corneal or scleral contact due to inconsistent vacuum force and surface interactions.
Innovation Solution
A lens manipulator with a suction cup that allows adjustable suction force, featuring a discontinuous peripheral edge and a flexible stem for eccentric engagement, along with a safety mechanism to automatically release excessive force, ensuring safe disengagement without manual pull force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the suction cup provides sufficient suction force to facilitate contact lens removal, then the contact lens can be effectively extracted from the eye, but the suction cup may not release the contact lens when retracted and may exert excessive force on the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup incorporates a flexible membrane that can dynamically change its shape and suction characteristics. The membrane flexes under applied force to allow air ingress and release suction when excessive force is detected, providing adaptive control that prevents eye damage while maintaining effective lens removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the suction cup by allowing the flexible membrane to transition between rigid and flexible states. When excessive force is applied during lens removal, the membrane deforms to change the suction parameters, allowing air to enter and reduce the vacuum force to safe levels
2Productivity
If the suction cup surface is made sticky to facilitate contact lens extraction, then the suction cup can adhere to the lens surface, but it inhibits contact lens insertion by not releasing the lens once engaged with the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane allows the suction cup to dynamically adjust its surface characteristics. During insertion, the membrane remains relatively rigid with controlled stickiness for easy release. During extraction, the membrane flexes to increase adhesion to the lens surface, providing optimal performance for each operation phase
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup undergoes periodic changes in its mechanical properties during the insertion and extraction cycle. The membrane transitions between stiff and flexible states in response to applied forces, creating a rhythmic pattern of adhesion and release that facilitates both insertion and extraction operations
3Device complexity
If passive vacuum force is used in the suction cup, then the device structure can be simple, but the vacuum force cannot be precisely or consistently regulated and may not provide sufficient control
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane provides self-regulating vacuum control without requiring external sensors or actuators. The membrane automatically adjusts the vacuum force based on the physical interaction with the contact lens and eye, providing consistent and precise control through its inherent mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates passive feedback through the flexible membrane that responds to forces applied during lens manipulation. The membrane deformation provides real-time information about the suction force being exerted, allowing the system to self-adjust and maintain precise vacuum control throughout the procedure
4Device complexity
If manual dexterity and coordination are required for contact lens insertion and removal, then the procedure can be performed with simple devices, but it becomes difficult for seniors, children, and individuals with limited manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup with flexible membrane performs self-adjusting actions during lens manipulation. The membrane automatically responds to applied forces by flexing and releasing suction as needed, reducing the skill and dexterity required by the user while maintaining effective lens insertion and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes its mechanical parameters in response to user input. The flexible membrane modifies the suction characteristics based on the forces applied during the procedure, making the device adaptable to users with varying levels of manual dexterity without requiring complex controls
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
Facilitates controlled insertion and removal of contact lenses with reduced manual dexterity requirements, minimizing risk of eye surface contact and enabling safe release from strong adhesion, thus improving usability for diverse user groups.
Implementation Method 1
the suction cup can be used with a lens manipulator that can aid in inserting and removing contact lenses with more control over the amount of suction force
Implementation Method 2
Surface tension, Van der Waal's forces, hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions, and other factors can affect the surface interaction between the contact lens and the suction cup
Implementation Method 3
Surface tension, Van der Waal's forces, hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions, and other factors can affect the surface interaction between the contact lens and the suction cup
Data Source
AI summary
A lens manipulator that includes an over-sleeve with a suction cup and lumen therethrough that forms a pore in the suction cup and a rod opening at the opposite end for receiving an adjustment rod. Adjustment of the length of the adjustment rod in the lumen controls the amount of suction force generated under the suction cup against a contact lens. Removal of the adjustment rod from the lumen eliminates the suction force and acts as a safety release against excessive pull force on an eye when removing a contact lens.