Ophthalmic Fluid Dispenser Shutter Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye drop dispensers face issues with delivering high viscosity fluids, leading to variability in dose volume, non-uniform spreading, temporary blurring, and contamination risks due to preservative use and susceptibility to bacterial and viral contamination.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispenser system with a shutter mechanism for nozzle protection and sterilization, using a bi-stable solenoid for precise fluid ejection and a sterilization component for UV light emission to prevent contamination, ensuring uniform delivery and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional eye droppers are used to deliver high viscosity fluids, then the fluid can be delivered to the eye, but the dose volume varies significantly (30-65 μL with +/−10% standard deviation) and repeatability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is segmented into discrete controlled ejection events through the shutter mechanism, which divides the fluid stream into controlled portions rather than allowing continuous or uncontrolled dripping, thereby improving dose precision
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism introduces dynamic control to the fluid delivery system, allowing the opening and closing of the fluid path in response to detected eye presence, which enables precise timing and volume control of each dose
2Reliability
If excess fluid is delivered to account for partial misses, then coverage is improved, but temporary blurring occurs due to non-uniform tear layer and spherical/comb aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the eye detection sensor to control shutter operation, ensuring fluid is delivered only when the eye is properly positioned, which eliminates the need for excess fluid while maintaining reliable delivery through precise timing control
3Reliability
If preservatives are included in the dispensed fluid to prevent bacterial or viral growth, then contamination is prevented, but corneal damage and sensitization occur over time with regular use
Solution Approach 1:
The preservative is extracted or removed from the fluid formulation, and contamination prevention is achieved through the shutter mechanism that physically isolates the fluid from environmental contaminants and prevents bacterial growth through controlled delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter acts as an intermediary barrier between the fluid and the external environment, preventing contamination without requiring chemical preservatives that could cause corneal damage
4Reliability
If a shutter mechanism with sterilization component is added to protect the nozzle and prevent contamination, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism and sterilization component are merged into a single integrated assembly, where the shutter serves both as a contamination barrier and as a platform for mounting the sterilization component, reducing overall system complexity
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 system provides precise, uniform delivery of high viscosity fluids while minimizing contamination risks and ensuring the safety of preservative-free formulations by protecting the nozzle and using UV light for sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
using a bi-stable solenoid for precise fluid ejection
Implementation Method 2
a sterilization component for UV light emission to prevent contamination
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include fluid dispensers configured to administer pharmaceutical agents to a user's eye. The fluid dispensers and systems described herein include mechanisms for protecting a fluid dispensing nozzle or opening from contamination, preventing dehydration of the fluids, and for sterilizing the dispensing components. A fluid dispenser may include a housing configured to receive a fluid cartridge, the fluid cartridge comprising a nozzle. The housing further comprises a shutter coupled to the housing and configured to articulate between a closed position and an open position. The shutter may be configured to obscure the nozzle in the closed position and to expose the nozzle in the open position. The shutter may further include protrusion configured to engage and actuate a nozzle cover of the fluid cartridge when the shutter articulates to the open position.