Modular Contact Lens Case With Integrated Fluid Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact lens users face inconvenience and hygiene risks due to the separation of contact lens cases and solution, leading to improper storage and potential eye infections when the solution is not available.
Innovation Solution
A modular contact lens case design that integrates a fluid tank with removable lens assemblies, each equipped with a pressure pump and one-way valve, allowing for controlled fluid dispensing and easy replacement of components, ensuring proper disinfection and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If contact lens case and solution are separated, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to improper storage and hygiene risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the contact lens case and solution container into a single integrated unit. The case includes a first chamber for the contact lens and a second chamber for the solution, with a valve mechanism that controls fluid transfer between chambers. This merging ensures the solution is always available with the case, eliminating hygiene risks associated with separation while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated design.
2Ease of operation
If modular design with removable lens assemblies is implemented, then ease of operation is improved through component replacement, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens case is divided into modular components: a main body containing the solution chamber, and removable lens assemblies that can be detached and replaced. Each lens assembly includes a lens chamber and associated valve mechanism. This segmentation allows users to easily replace individual lens assemblies without replacing the entire case, improving ease of operation while the standardized接口 minimizes the increase in overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If pressure pump and one-way valve system is added, then productivity is improved through controlled fluid dispensing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens case employs a self-service fluid dispensing system using spring-loaded pressure pumps and one-way valves. When the lens assembly is inserted, the spring automatically compresses and forces solution through the one-way valve into the lens chamber, eliminating the need for manual pumping or complex electronic controls. This achieves efficient fluid dispensing (improved productivity) while keeping the mechanism simple and automatic (minimized device complexity).
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 modular design keeps the contact lens case and solution together, reducing the risk of eye infections by providing a hygienic storage solution, extending the case's lifetime, and allowing for customization and component swapping.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure pump disposed on a top surface of the lens reservoir... allows fluid to transfer from the fluid tank, through the first suction line, and into the first lens reservoir of the first lens assembly upon actuation of the first pressure pump
Implementation Method 2
a first one-way valve that allows fluid to transfer from the fluid tank, through the first suction line, and into the first lens reservoir of the first lens assembly upon actuation of the first pressure pump
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A contact lens case is disclosed. The contact lens case has a fluid tank that stores fluid (e.g., contact lens solution, water, etc.). The contact lens case also has two lens assemblies (e.g., a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly), wherein each lens assembly has a lens reservoir that stores a contact lens. Further, each lens assembly has a pressure pump that upon actuation, draws fluid from the fluid tank, through a suction line and a one-way valve, to the corresponding lens reservoir.