Micro Drop Adapter for Eye Dropper Bottles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye drop bottles dispense excessive volumes, leading to inefficiency and discomfort, and existing solutions to convert them to micro-drop dispensers are not compatible with modern, non-removable tip bottles.
Innovation Solution
A micro drop adapter that attaches to existing eye dropper bottles, featuring a coupler, an internal sheath to create a seal with the original tip, and a micro drop forming tip, along with a removable cap to protect the contents, allowing for efficient dispensing of micro drops without damaging the bottle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a replacement tip with a needle-like portion is used to penetrate the diaphragm barrier, then the tip can be inserted into the bottle, but the diaphragm barrier is damaged and contamination protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary device that attaches to the external thread of the bottle without penetrating the diaphragm barrier. It provides a sealing interface around the original tip, allowing fluid passage while maintaining the integrity of the barrier and preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: an external threading portion that attaches to the bottle, an internal sheath that seals around the original tip, and a micro-drop forming tip. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the diaphragm barrier.
2Reliability
If a replacement tip without a needle is used, then the diaphragm barrier remains intact, but the solution assumes the original tip is removable which is not true for modern bottles
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with universal compatibility to work with modern dropper bottles that have non-removable tips. It achieves this by attaching to the external thread of the bottle and sealing around the existing tip, rather than requiring removal of the original tip or penetration of the diaphragm barrier.
3Productivity
If the original tip is surrounded and sealed by the inner tube, then micro drops are formed efficiently, but the original tip becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter employs a nested structure where the internal sheath surrounds the original tip like a doll within a doll. The sheath creates a seal around the original tip while leaving the tip's opening unobstructed, allowing fluid to pass through the original tip and into the adapter's micro-drop forming tip.
4Ease of manufacture
If the bottle is designed as a monolithic structure with non-removable tip, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptation to micro-drop dispensing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary conversion device that enables micro-drop dispensing capability for monolithic bottles without requiring modification to the original bottle structure. It attaches to the external thread and works with the existing non-removable tip, providing micro-drop functionality while preserving the simple monolithic bottle design.
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 the conversion of standard eye drop bottles into micro-drop dispensers, improving efficiency and comfort by allowing precise control over drop volume, reducing waste, and extending bottle usage without compromising contamination protection.
Implementation Method 1
The inner tube is configured to at least partially surround and make a seal with the tip of the original bottle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described herein concerns a micro drop adapter that is adapted to engage with dropper bottles. The micro drop adapter engages with and surrounds the original tip of the bottle. The micro drop adapter comprises at least one inner tube that is urged against the original tip of the bottle forming a seal and a channel in fluid connection with the bottle. The micro drop adapter comprises an adapter tip that dispenses micro drops, which are drops having a volume of less than approximately 50 microliters. The micro drop adapter further comprises a cap.