Multi-Dose Ocular Fluid Delivery With Vibrating Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye drop devices are cumbersome, inaccurate, and pose risks of contamination and physical harm, while multi-dose containers often require preservatives that can be cytotoxic.
Innovation Solution
A multi-dose ocular fluid delivery device with a reservoir, aperture, and actuator that ejects ophthalmic formulations using mechanical vibration, preventing contamination and allowing preservative-free use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravity-based delivery mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to awkward positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gravity-based mechanical delivery system with an active pumping mechanism that uses a plunger and reservoir system. This mechanical substitution allows the device to deliver fluid without relying on gravity, thereby improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for awkward head positioning while maintaining controlled delivery through the pumping action.
2Productivity
If large volume drops (50μL) are dispensed, then productivity is improved by reducing number of administrations, but loss of substance worsens due to overflow and blinking reflex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of drop volume from the conventional 50μL to a precisely controlled smaller volume (approximately 7μL or less). This parameter change is achieved through the pumping mechanism that delivers controlled amounts of fluid. By matching the delivered volume to the eye's retention capacity, the invention eliminates overflow and blinking reflex-induced loss, thereby reducing medication waste while maintaining efficient treatment frequency.
3Reliability
If preservatives are added to multi-dose containers, then reliability is improved by preventing microbial contamination, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to cytotoxic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the preservative component from the multi-dose ophthalmic formulation. By eliminating the preservative, the invention eliminates the associated cytotoxic effects on ocular tissues. The device compensates for the lack of preservative through its closed-system pumping mechanism that prevents microbial contamination through controlled delivery, thus maintaining reliability without the harmful preservative substances.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional dropper design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to risk of poking the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static dropper tip design into a dynamic controlled delivery system. The pumping mechanism with plunger and reservoir creates a controlled fluid delivery system that eliminates the need for direct contact between a rigid dropper tip and the eye. The dynamic pumping action delivers fluid through a controlled pathway, thereby eliminating the poking hazard while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of standard pumping components.
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 device enables precise, self-administered delivery of small volumes directly to the eye, reducing contamination risk and cytotoxicity, and minimizing discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is configured to eject the ophthalmic formulation through the aperture by providing a mechanical vibration to the vale member and/or to a wall of the reservoir.
Data Source
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AI summary
Multi-dose ocular fluid delivery devices are provided. Aspects of the fluid delivery devices include a fluid package and an actuator. The fluid package includes a reservoir of an ophthalmic formulation, an aperture and a valve member for sealing the aperture when fluid is not being ejected therethrough. The actuator is configured to operate the valve member so as to at least reduce, if not prevent, ingress of outside materials or contaminants into the reservoir, such that the ophthalmic formulation present in the reservoir does not require a preservative (e.g., where a preservative-free ophthalmic formulation is present in the reservoir). Also provided are methods of using the devices in fluid delivery applications, as well as a kit that includes components of the devices.