Sealing Member Metering for Ophthalmic Drop Sterility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for ophthalmic liquids face contamination risks due to liquid penetration into undesired zones, particularly because metering means are often separate from the sealing member, leading to potential bacterial growth and increased 'dead volume' that can harbor contaminants.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating metering means directly into the sealing member, which can take up a liquid release and non-return position, reduces contamination risks by minimizing 'dead volume' and ensuring the liquid is received directly by the metering means without flowing through other parts, thereby maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metering means are provided on a part other than the sealing member (e.g., outer casing), then the device structure is more flexible, but liquid can penetrate into other parts of the device causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the metering means directly into the sealing member, eliminating the need for separate metering components in the outer casing. This integration ensures that liquid is metered immediately upon release from the sealed zone, preventing penetration into other device parts and eliminating contamination risks while maintaining structural simplicity
2Reliability
If metering means are separate from the sealing member, then the device is easier to manufacture, but dead volume increases leading to contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating metering means into the sealing member, the patent eliminates the space between these components, thereby minimizing dead volume. The sealing member's movement directly controls liquid release and metering in one continuous action, preventing contaminated liquid accumulation and reducing substance loss
3Reliability
If the sealing member is made of flexible material, then it can fit snugly to reduce dead volume, but the material selection becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing member made of elastomeric material that can deform to fit snugly against the device interior surfaces. This flexibility enables the sealing member to minimize dead volume by conforming to the device geometry while maintaining effective sealing, and the elastomeric material is selected for its compatibility with liquid dispensing applications
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 configuration enhances the sterility of dispensed liquid by reducing contamination risks and minimizing 'dead volume', ensuring that the metering process occurs closer to the sealed zone, thus preventing bacterial growth and maintaining the integrity of the dispensed drops.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes bearing means for bearing against the sealing member, in register with a recessed zone, serving to deform the sealing member by bending deformation so that it takes up its non-return position
Implementation Method 2
the device includes bearing means for bearing against the sealing member, serving to deform the flexible portion of the sealing member by compression deformation so that it takes up its non-return position
Implementation Method 3
The device includes a liquid-passing channel opening out into the drop-forming means and the drop-forming means comprise a flared shape that flares from said channel. This flared shape makes it possible to avoid jets of liquid being sprayed out
Data Source
AI summary
The device makes it possible to dispense predetermined metered quantities of liquid. It includes a sealing member that can take up a liquid release position, allowing liquid to flow out of the device, and a non-return position preventing liquid from flowing back into the device. The sealing member is provided with metering means for metering out the liquid to be dispensed.