Modular Eye Protection Dispensing for Low-Contact Healthcare Use
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable face shields and eye shields occupy significant storage space, require pre-assembly, and pose hygiene risks due to handling of packaging in healthcare environments, where hand sanitation is critical.
Innovation Solution
Modular eye protection system with a frame that can be configured as either an eye shield or a face shield using common parts, along with a dispenser that minimizes hand contact and allows for convenient storage and dispensing of frames and lenses, including a spring-loaded or electronically actuated mechanism for hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If face shields and eye shields are stored separately in boxes or bags within cabinetry, then protection and organization are provided, but hand contact with doorknobs and drawers is required, creating hygiene risks in healthcare environments
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser allows users to obtain face shields and eye shields through hands-free operation using foot pedals or electronic sensors, eliminating the need to touch doorknobs, handles, or packaging with contaminated hands. The system serves itself by automatically presenting the protective equipment at the dispensing point.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser acts as an intermediary device between the storage cabinet and the user, transferring the protective equipment without requiring direct hand contact with the cabinet or packaging. This intermediary mechanism breaks the transmission path for potential pathogens.
2Ease of operation
If face shields and eye shields are pre-assembled and stored separately, then ready-to-use protection is provided, but significant storage space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser combines the storage and dispensing of both face shields and eye shields in a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate cabinets or storage locations. This merging of functions reduces the total volume required for storing multiple types of protective equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed to handle multiple types of protective equipment (face shields and eye shields) through a unified dispensing mechanism, making the system multi-functional. This universality allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate storage and dispensing systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If face shields and eye shields are stored in separate locations, then organization is maintained, but more storage space and frequent resupply trips are required
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser merges the storage of face shields and eye shields into a single location with unified access, maintaining clear organization through dedicated compartments while eliminating the need to travel between multiple storage locations for resupply.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular eye protection is designed with detachable components, then versatility and storage efficiency are improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eye protection system is segmented into modular components (frame, lens, nose bridge, temples) that can be detached and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the same components to form different configurations (glasses or safety glasses with various attachments) while maintaining relatively simple individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal connection mechanisms that work across different configurations. The same frame, lens, and temple components can be assembled in multiple ways to create different protective eyewear types, reducing the need for multiple specialized designs.
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 system reduces storage space requirements, minimizes hand contact with potentially contaminated objects, and ensures a reliable and sanitary dispensing process, particularly in healthcare settings, by allowing easy assembly and frequent restocking without frequent resupply needs.
Implementation Method 1
The dispensing means also includes an unobstructed column that uses gravity to advance a frame after one is removed
Implementation Method 2
The dispensing means also includes an unobstructed column that uses gravity to advance a frame after one is removed
Implementation Method 3
The dispensing means also includes an unobstructed column that uses gravity to advance a frame after one is removed
Implementation Method 4
A lens preferably attaches to the frame with a male and a female component that are retained together with an interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
Modular eye protection may include a frame, temples, and a frame, which may comprise temples and a top bar. The modular eye protection may also include a modular headband with a forehead pad, lens, and elastic band. Both embodiments of the modular eye protection may be assembled with eye shield lenses or face shields lenses. Dispensing units may also dispense the various components of the modular eye protection. The modular nature, method of assembly, and dispensers allow for minimal physical contact with objects, mitigating contact with pathogens in areas such as surgical rooms where cleanliness is important. The modular eye protection may also be disposable to further prevent spreading of pathogens.