Nested Ophthalmic Lens Container for Vertical Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for treating ophthalmic lenses, such as contact lenses, in liquid baths are inefficient in terms of exposure time and space usage, as they require multiple containers and baths, limiting the number of lenses that can be treated simultaneously and extending the process duration.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a tubular section, mounting portion, and retaining element that allows for efficient liquid flow and secure lens retention, enabling stacking and increased exposure time or throughput without altering existing apparatus, by incorporating a retaining element with flexible fins and a retainer ring for secure lens containment and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple containers and baths are used for lens treatment, then the treatment capacity is increased, but the process duration and space usage are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with a containment portion that can be nested within a mounting portion, allowing multiple containers to be stacked vertically. This nesting arrangement enables multiple lenses to be treated simultaneously in a single bath without increasing horizontal space or process duration, as all nested containers are exposed to the treatment liquid at the same time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal arrangement of multiple containers to vertical stacking in the same bath. By utilizing the vertical dimension, multiple containment portions can be positioned at different heights within a single mounting portion, all simultaneously exposed to treatment liquid flowing through the mounting portion, thereby increasing capacity without extending process time.
2Productivity
If multiple containers are used to increase treatment capacity, then more lenses can be treated simultaneously, but the space usage and apparatus complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The containment portion is nested within the mounting portion, creating a compact vertical structure. Multiple such nested assemblies can be stacked further, maximizing the use of vertical space rather than horizontal space. This allows high treatment capacity within a compact footprint, reducing the area required for the treatment apparatus.
3Reliability
If containers are designed for secure lens retention, then lens washout is prevented, but access for gripper insertion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into distinct functional portions: the containment portion with retaining elements (flexible fins and retainer ring) that provide secure lens retention, and the mounting portion with access openings that enable gripper insertion. This segmentation allows the retaining elements to be optimized for security while the mounting portion provides unobstructed access paths for automated grippers to reach the lens.
4Area of stationary object
If the container design allows stacking, then space efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity of the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portion is designed with an internal geometry that receives and secures the containment portion in a nested configuration. The retaining elements (flexible fins and retainer ring) are integrated into this nested structure, providing both the stacking capability and lens retention functions within a unified design, rather than requiring separate complex mechanisms.
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
This design allows for increased lens treatment capacity or reduced processing time by enabling the use of stacked containers, optimizing space and reducing transportation speed while maintaining exposure time, thus enhancing the efficiency and productivity of ophthalmic lens treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom is provided with a number of apertures enabling a free flow of a treatment liquid into and out of the containment portion
Implementation Method 2
The mounting portion comprises a plurality of flow openings allowing a treatment liquid to flow into and out of an inner space of the mounting portion
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A container (1) for accommodating an ophthalmic lens during a lens treatment process has a longitudinal axis (12) and comprises a containment portion (2), a mounting portion (3), and a retaining element (4). The containment portion (2) comprises a tubular section (21) and a bottom (22) protruding convexly towards the outside at one end of the tubular section (21) and has a number of apertures (23, 24). The mounting portion (3) comprises flow openings and an access opening (11) at an end remote from the containment portion (2). The retaining element (4) prohibits the lens from being washed out of the containment portion (2) and further permits access of a gripper into the containment portion (2) for insertion and removal of the lens. The mounting portion (3) extends from the access opening (11) to the tubular section (21) in a manner to enable introduction of the containment portion (2) of another such container (1) into the mounting portion (3) through the access opening (11).