Replaceable Eyedropper Tip Assembly for Sterile Drop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyedropper tips on eyedropper bottles are static in their construction and operation, making it difficult to change drop size, shape, or flow rate, and there is no effective method to replace them without contaminating the ophthalmic solution.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a removal tool and an application tool, along with a replacement eyedropper tip, allows for sterile replacement by gripping and removing the existing tip and applying the new tip using integrated or separate tools, ensuring no contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an eyedropper tip is designed with a fixed construction, then manufacturing is simple and reliable, but the drop characteristics (size, shape, flow rate) cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The eyedropper system is divided into two separable components: a reusable eyedropper bottle and a replaceable eyedropper tip. This segmentation allows users to change only the tip component to alter drop characteristics while keeping the bottle intact, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different eyedropper tips are designed with varying parameters (nose geometry, internal diameter, wall thickness) to produce different drop characteristics. By changing the tip parameters rather than the entire device, the system achieves versatility in drop size, shape, and flow rate while maintaining simple manufacturing for each individual component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a replacement tool is introduced to change eyedropper tips, then adaptability improves, but the risk of contaminating the ophthalmic solution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The eyedropper tip is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use or when changing drop characteristics are needed. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization of replacement tools, as each new tip is provided sterile and single-use, thus enabling adaptability while minimizing contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement eyedropper tip is pre-packaged in sterile condition before use. By preparing the tip in advance under sterile conditions and providing it sealed to the user, the system enables easy replacement while ensuring sterility is maintained without requiring complex sterilization procedures during the replacement process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the eyedropper tip is made removable for replacement, then versatility improves, but the reliability of maintaining sterility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is designed as a disposable component that maintains sterility through single-use design. Each new tip is provided in sterile packaging and used once, eliminating the need to maintain sterility through repeated handling and tool sterilization, thus achieving both replaceability and reliable sterility maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement tip is inserted into the bottle through a nested arrangement where the new tip is placed inside the bottle opening. This nesting approach allows the sterile tip to be introduced without exposing the internal bottle environment to contamination, maintaining reliability while enabling replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for replacing an eyedropper tip on an eyedropper bottle with a replacement eyedropper tip. Such a system may include, without limitation, a removal tool, an application tool, and a replacement eyedropper tip. The removal tool may be used to remove a preexisting eyedropper tip on an eyedropper bottle, and the application tool may be used to apply the replacement eyedropper tip to the eyedropper bottle. In some embodiments, the replacement eyedropper tip and the application tool may be formed as a single unit or effectively be the same component.