Nozzle With Rectangular Openings For Uniform Ophthalmic Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-gravitational fluid delivery devices for ophthalmic applications often result in non-uniform distribution of fluids to the eye due to unpredictable coalescence of fluid streams, leading to undesired delivery to surrounding areas and inefficiencies in fluid distribution.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design with a plurality of openings dispersed along a longitudinal nozzle width, each having a substantially rectangular shape with a longitudinal opening width less than the lateral opening length, arranged in subgroups to ensure predictable coalescence and uniform distribution, forming a continuous oval fluid footprint similar to the eye opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple openings are arranged in a linear array, then fluid delivery coverage is improved, but fluid streams coalesce unpredictably resulting in non-uniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple discrete opening subgroups arranged in a two-dimensional pattern rather than a single linear array. Each subgroup contains multiple openings that work together to create segmented fluid streams that maintain predictability while achieving broader coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings are arranged in a two-dimensional array with specific spacing in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, transitioning from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a two-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows for controlled coalescence patterns and predictable fluid stream interaction.
2Ease of manufacture
If circular openings are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but longitudinal space consumption increases reducing delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The opening geometry is changed from circular to rectangular, altering the shape parameters to achieve better space utilization. The rectangular configuration with specific aspect ratios allows for more efficient packing and reduced longitudinal footprint while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard fabrication processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If openings are evenly spaced, then manufacturing precision is improved, but fluid stream coalescence becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The evenly spaced openings are grouped into distinct subgroups with specific internal spacing patterns. Within each subgroup, openings maintain even spacing for manufacturing precision, while the spacing between subgroups is designed to control and predict fluid stream coalescence behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spacing characteristics are applied to different regions of the nozzle. Openings within subgroups have uniform spacing for manufacturing consistency, while the inter-group spacing is specifically designed to achieve desired coalescence patterns, creating local variations in spacing quality.
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 nozzle ensures a reproducible and uniform distribution of fluid on the eye, reducing unwanted delivery to surrounding areas and optimizing fluid delivery efficiency by controlling the coalescence and spread of fluid streams.
Implementation Method 1
The wall 320 is a membrane or elastomeric wall that is 'squeezable' or flexible enough to deform in response to a striking force being applied to the wall 320. When a force is applied on the wall 320, the wall 320 deforms towards the nozzle 314 thereby reducing the volume of the holding chamber 322 and forcing the fluid from the nozzle 314.
Implementation Method 2
fluid F exiting from each of the two slit openings 426, 426 may coalesce into a single fluid stream FS prior to contacting the target site TS of the user (here, the user's eye)
Data Source
AI summary
A non-gravitational fluid delivery device is provided for delivering fluid to an eye of a user. The device includes a nozzle having a nozzle wall. The nozzle wall has opposing interior and exterior nozzle surfaces, and a plurality of openings dispersed along a longitudinal nozzle width of the nozzle wall through which fluid is configured to be selectively delivered to the eye during use of the device. Each opening extends through the nozzle wall from a substantially rectangular entry port in the interior nozzle surface to a substantially rectangular port in the exterior nozzle surface. Each of the openings has a longitudinal opening width that is less than a lateral opening length.