Overpressure Contact Lens Removal Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing soft contact lenses from containers, particularly in automated production processes, require complex and costly vacuum separators due to limited suction power, which often fail to remove every contact lens effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing overpressure to remove soft contact lenses from containers by sealing the container with a lid containing a removal tube and pressure tube, applying overpressure to push the lens and liquid into the removal tube, allowing for efficient removal without the need for vacuum systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum suction is used to remove contact lens from container, then contact lens can be removed, but suction power is insufficient and requires complicated vacuum separators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vacuum suction approach by using overpressure to push the contact lens out of the container. Instead of creating negative pressure to pull the lens, positive pressure is applied to force the lens and liquid through the removal tube, eliminating the need for complex vacuum separators while ensuring reliable removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using overpressure (gas or air pressure) to drive the contact lens and liquid through the removal tube. This pneumatic approach replaces the inadequate vacuum suction system with a more effective pressure-driven mechanism that can reliably remove lenses without complex vacuum equipment.
2Reliability
If vacuum suction is used to remove contact lens from container, then contact lens can be removed, but vacuum system is costly and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vacuum suction approach by using overpressure to push the contact lens out of the container. Instead of creating negative pressure to pull the lens, positive pressure is applied to force the lens and liquid through the removal tube, eliminating the need for complex vacuum separators while ensuring reliable removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, maintenance-requiring vacuum separators with a simpler overpressure system using basic pressure tubes and removal tubes. This simpler pneumatic system is more cost-effective and requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for automated production environments.
3Power
If maximum vacuum pressure difference is applied, then suction power is maximized, but pressure difference is limited to about 0.5 bar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vacuum suction approach by using overpressure to push the contact lens out of the container. Instead of creating negative pressure to pull the lens, positive pressure is applied to force the lens and liquid through the removal tube, eliminating the need for complex vacuum separators while ensuring reliable removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from negative (vacuum) to positive (overpressure). By applying overpressure through the pressure tube, the system overcomes the 0.5 bar limitation of vacuum systems and can achieve higher pressure differences, thereby increasing the power to remove contact lenses effectively.
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 approach ensures the removal of every soft contact lens by overcoming the limitations of vacuum systems, allowing for adjustable pressure differences and eliminating the need for costly vacuum separators, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of the process.
Implementation Method 1
After the closing of the container with the lid an overpressure is applied to the interior of the closed container through the pressure tube. The overpressure is applied such that the soft contact lens and the liquid are pressed into the removal tube and removed together therethrough.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
There is described a method for the removal of a contact lens (30) from a container (10), with a contact lens (30) being immersed in a liquid (20) which is held in a container (10), and the contact lens (30) being removed from the container (10) together with at least a portion of the liquid (20) through a removal tube (3) which is dipped into the liquid (20) within the container (10). First the container (10) containing the liquid (20) and the immersed contact lens (30) is closed pressure-tight with a lid (2), which comprises the removal tube (3) and a pressure tube (5). Both, the removal tube (3) and the pressure tube (5), are guided through the lid (2). After the closing of the container (10) with the lid (2) an overpressure is applied to the interior of the closed container (10) through the pressure tube (5). The overpressure is applied such that the contact lens (30) and the liquid (20) are pressed into the removal tube (3) and removed together therethrough. There is also described a device (1) for carrying out the method.