Rotating Lens Containers for Hands-Free Contact Lens Rinsing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact lens cleaning apparatuses do not effectively allow for rinsing of lenses in fluid permeable containers while distributing contact solution during movement.
Innovation Solution
A housing with rotatable, fluid-permeable containers mounted on shafts driven by motors, which rotate to distribute contact solution over the lenses and facilitate rinsing without damaging them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If contact lenses are cleaned using traditional manual methods, then the user has direct control over the cleaning process, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens cleaning device performs the cleaning process automatically without requiring manual intervention. The container rotates to distribute cleaning solution over the contact lens, and the system self-regulates the cleaning process through its motor-driven rotation mechanism, eliminating the need for user manipulation while maintaining effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning actions with an automated motor-driven rotation system. The motor rotates the container holding the contact lens, substituting the user's manual handling and positioning of the lens with an automated mechanical system that achieves the same cleaning effect more efficiently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid permeable containers are used to hold contact lenses, then the containers allow contact solution to pass through for rinsing, but the containers may compromise structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The container is constructed from a porous or fluid-permeable material that allows contact solution to pass through during the rinsing phase. This porous structure enables the cleaning solution to reach the contact lens from the inside, providing thorough rinsing while the container maintains sufficient structural integrity to hold the lens and withstand the cleaning process.
3Manufacturing precision
If the container rotates to distribute contact solution, then the cleaning solution is evenly distributed over the lens, but the rotation mechanism adds complexity to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to rotate dynamically during the cleaning process, transitioning from a static holding position to an active distribution position. This dynamic rotation allows the contact solution to be evenly distributed over the contact lens surface, improving cleaning uniformity while the rotation mechanism itself remains a simple, single-axis turn driven by a motor.
4Ease of operation
If the container is designed to rotate on a shaft, then the container can be positioned to distribute solution effectively, but the shaft and motor assembly increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: the housing, the motor, the shaft, and the container. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the motor provides rotational power, the shaft provides a simple rotation axis, and the container holds the lens and distributes solution. This modular approach simplifies the overall assembly while maintaining effective container positioning capability.
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
Enables effective rinsing and storage of contact lenses using a motor-driven, fluid-permeable container system that maintains lens integrity and ensures thorough cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
Each container is fluid permeable
Data Source
AI summary
A contact lens cleaning apparatus for cleaning contact lenses outside of a user's hands includes a housing containing a pair of motors. A pair of fluid permeable containers are positioned outside of the housing and are attached to respective motors via shafts. The motors are operable to rotate the shafts, thus rotating the fluid permeable containers.