Stackable Contact Lens Package Base for Curbside Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact lens packaging materials, specifically the plastic base members of blister packs, are not recyclable due to their small size, which exceeds the minimum dimensions required by most recycling centers, leading to environmental waste.
Innovation Solution
Modifying the contact lens packaging base members to include interlocking latches and slots that allow multiple base members to be stacked together, forming a collective unit that meets the size requirements for recycling, enabling curbside recycling and processing at Materials Recovery Facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contact lens base members are made as individual single-use packages, then they provide convenient packaging and protection for the contact lens, but they are too small to be accepted for recycling at most recycling centers
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual contact lens base members are merged together through interlocking features (latches and slots) to form a collective unit or stack. This combining approach maintains the convenience of individual packaging while achieving a larger aggregate size that meets recycling center minimum dimension requirements, enabling the material to be processed as recyclable plastic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If contact lens base members are designed with interlocking features for stacking, then they can be recycled as a collective unit, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is segmented into distinct functional components including latches, slots, and interlocking features. This segmentation allows the package to maintain its primary function of protecting and dispensing contact lenses while adding recycling functionality through modular interlocking elements that enable stacking without compromising the original packaging purpose.
3Loss of substance
If multiple base members are stacked together to meet recycling size requirements, then the material can be processed at recycling facilities, but the packages may break or separate during transport and processing
Solution Approach 1:
Base members are designed with nesting capabilities where one base member fits within or interlocks with another through complementary geometric features. This nesting arrangement creates a stable, space-efficient stack that maintains structural integrity during transport and processing, preventing separation while maximizing the density of the recyclable unit.
Data Source
AI summary
Contact lens packages are provided and each includes a base member having a cavity and a sealing member coupled to the base member. An unworn contact lens is provided in a packaging solution within the sealed cavity. The base member is a thermoplastic or other recyclable material. The base member includes at least one latch and at least one slot. The latch and slot are configured to connect to the slot and latch, respectively, of another base member, after the contact lenses are removed from the cavities. A recyclable thermoplastic contact lens assembly is also provided that includes empty contact lens package base members stacked and connected together. A method to recycle used contact lens package base members, such as by curbside recycling, is also provided.