Rigid Eye Shield with Seal Member for Irritation-Free Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye care and wound management technologies are inadequate in providing effective protection, precise medication delivery, and optimal healing environments, leading to discomfort, tissue irritation, and increased risk of infection due to cumbersome and inefficient dressing changes, as well as challenges in maintaining a clean and oxygenated wound environment.
Innovation Solution
A modular, programmable wound care system that includes a direct-view inspection chamber with interchangeable parts, automated cycles of enzymatic debridement, antimicrobial lavage, and infusion of therapeutic fluids like oxygen and nitric oxide, along with a cyanoacrylate layer to minimize irritation and migration of biological debridement agents, and a precision eye drop dispenser to ensure accurate medication delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid discoid eye shield with adhesive tape is used to protect the eye, then the eye is protected from pressure injury and external pressure, but the adhesive tape causes tissue irritation and allergic reactions when removed multiple times daily for medication administration
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the protective function from the adhesive function by using a rigid shield component that can be removed without adhesive, eliminating repeated tape application and removal while maintaining eye protection during wear
Solution Approach 2:
A seal member creates an intermediate barrier between the rigid shield and the skin, providing protection without requiring adhesive tape that causes tissue irritation and allergic reactions
2Reliability
If a discoid eye shield is used to protect the eye, then the eye is protected from external pressure, but the shield precludes taking a shower or washing the head or face due to absence of water seal
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member creates a water-tight barrier between the rigid shield and the skin, enabling the patient to shower or wash their face while maintaining eye protection, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of hygiene maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member acts as a flexible film that conform to the facial contours while creating a water-tight seal, allowing movement and washing without compromising the protective function
3Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to hold the eye shield in place, then the shield is securely positioned, but repeated peeling of the tape removes the buffering layer of dead squamous cells and brings fresh adhesive into contact with microcapillaries, inciting tissue irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the positioning function from the adhesive function, using mechanical retention structures on the rigid shield that eliminate the need for repeated adhesive application, thereby preventing tissue irritation from continuous tape peeling and reapplication
Solution Approach 2:
A seal member serves as an intermediary that provides secure positioning without requiring adhesive tape, creating a barrier that prevents direct contact between adhesive and sensitive facial skin tissues
4Illumination intensity
If a fenestrated discoid shield is used to allow light reduction or visibility, then the patient can see or light is diminished, but the shield and tape are visually unattractive and draw unwanted attention
Solution Approach 1:
The shield can be made with varying degrees of opacity or tinting to control light transmission, providing light reduction for photosensitive eyes while maintaining a more aesthetically pleasing appearance that does not draw unwanted attention
5Ease of operation
If a soft padded ovoid patch is used instead of rigid shield, then the patch is more comfortable, but it does not protect the injured eye against external pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the comfort of soft padded materials with the protective function of a rigid shield by combining a rigid outer structure with a soft inner lining or seal member, achieving both comfort and pressure protection simultaneously
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 system simplifies and enhances wound treatment by reducing dressing changes, accelerating healing, and providing a controlled environment for eye care, while minimizing tissue irritation and infection risk, and enabling precise and efficient delivery of medications.
Implementation Method 1
a cyanoacrylate layer to minimize irritation and migration of biological debridement agents
Implementation Method 2
infusion of therapeutic fluids like oxygen and nitric oxide
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for protecting and treating wounds are provided. A housing is adapted to be adhesively secured over the wound of an injured or infected person. The housing has an opening for access to the wound, and is further provided with inlet and outlet ports for the application of therapeutic materials. There is particularly provided a program for a closed looped system for such wound care. Additionally, the invention provides for a protective and treating cover for the eye, which can be either opaque or translucent. Additionally, a mechanism for accurately depositing eye drops without risking injury to the eye is also provided.