Ophthalmic Applicator Nose Detection for Eye Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic applicators lack the ability to accurately differentiate between the left and right eye for targeted medication application, leading to potential errors in dosage and type of medication used.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic applicator equipped with a proximity sensor that detects the presence or absence of the user's nose to determine which eye is being treated, allowing for precise application of medication without requiring the user to tilt their head, and includes a controller to log treatment data and manage the application process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a proximity sensor is added to detect which eye is being treated, then the accuracy of medication application is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual eye identification (user verbally indicating which eye to treat) with an automated optical proximity sensing system. The sensor detects the presence or absence of the nose to automatically determine whether the right or left eye is being treated, eliminating manual input errors and improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator system performs self-identification of the target eye through the proximity sensor, which automatically detects nasal presence and determines the treated eye without requiring user input. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity despite adding sensing functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the applicator requires head tilting for proper positioning, then the spray direction can be controlled, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the spray mechanism through an actuator that adjusts the spray direction in real-time based on detected eye position and nasal presence. This allows the system to maintain precise medication delivery without requiring the user to tilt their head, as the spray direction adapts dynamically to the user's natural positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor provides continuous feedback about the user's facial position and nasal presence, which the controller uses to adjust the spray direction and dosage. This feedback loop ensures precise medication application while allowing the user to maintain a natural, comfortable head position.
3Reliability
If manual eye selection by the user is allowed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of correct medication delivery decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor continuously monitors nasal presence and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically determines and logs the treated eye. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates reliance on user memory or verbal input, significantly improving the reliability that the correct eye receives the correct medication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual process of eye selection with an automated optical sensing system that objectively identifies the treated eye based on nasal presence detection. This substitution eliminates human error in eye identification while the added sensor complexity is offset by the elimination of manual input requirements.
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 accurate and controlled application of medication to the correct eye, reducing user error and ensuring proper dosage and type of medication are delivered, with features like treatment logging and reminders.
Implementation Method 1
The applicator includes a proximity sensor configured to identify the eye, left or right, to which the applicator is applying the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic applicator for treating an eye of a user includes a housing and a reservoir, supported by the housing, for containing a liquid for treating the eye. The applicator also includes a nozzle supported by the housing and operatively connected to the reservoir. The nozzle is configured a non-gravitationally directed dose of the liquid. The applicator further includes a proximity sensor configured to identify the eye, left or right, to which the applicator is applying the liquid to the eye of the user.