Ocular Force Measuring Apparatus for Contact Lens Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no accurate device or method for measuring the force required to remove a contact lens from the eye, which varies with individuals and types of lenses.
Innovation Solution
The Ocular Force Measuring Apparatus (OFMA) is a mechanized or hand-held device that includes a lens manipulator connected to a force measuring device, such as a strain gauge load cell, to measure the force necessary for removing or depositing contact lenses on the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no measurement device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is zero (no measurement capability)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lens manipulator and force measuring device (strain gauge load cell) into a single integrated apparatus. The carrier that holds the manipulator is directly connected to the load cell, merging the mechanical manipulation function with the force measurement function into one unified device, thereby achieving precise force measurement without requiring separate complex systems.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanized system is used, then the measurement precision is high, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to be hand-held and manually operated, allowing the user to directly control the manipulator's movement toward and away from the eye while the force measurement occurs automatically through the strain gauge load cell. The system serves itself by automatically measuring and displaying the force data without requiring complex automated control mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise measurement.
3Ease of operation
If a portable hand-held device is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement mechanisms with an electrical sensing system (strain gauge load cell) that can be integrated into a compact hand-held device. The strain gauge converts mechanical force directly into electrical signals that can be measured and displayed with high precision, enabling the device to maintain both portability and measurement accuracy without requiring bulky mechanical 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
Enables precise measurement of the force required to remove or attach contact lenses, facilitating better fitting and research, while being portable and easy to use, with options for mechanical, automated, or motorized operation.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier can be further operably connected to a force measuring device, such as, for example, a strain gauge load cell or other similar device capable of accurately measuring the force used to remove a contact lens
Implementation Method 2
This layer of fluid creates surface tension and vacuum effects between the contact lens and the cornea
Implementation Method 3
This layer of fluid creates surface tension and vacuum effects between the contact lens and the cornea
Data Source
AI summary
An Ocular Force Measuring Apparatus (OFMA) is provided. The OFMA can include a lens manipulator arranged on a carrier operably connected to a strain gauge load cell. The OFMA can be manipulated by hand or with an actuator mechanism. When the lens manipulator is engaged with a contact lens attached to an eye, the strain gauge load cell can measure the force required to remove the contact lens from the eye. Conversely, if a contact lens is arranged on the lens manipulator, the force required to deposit the contact lens on the eye is measureable by the strain gauge load cell.