UV-Illuminated Contact Lens Case for Deposit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact lenses require frequent maintenance to remove protein deposits and debris, and users face challenges in detecting defects, which can lead to discomfort and potential infections, with existing methods being costly and inconvenient, and lacking effective visualization of defects and impurities.
Innovation Solution
A container for contact lenses equipped with an ultraviolet (UV) light source that illuminates deposits and defects, enhancing visibility through viewing windows, allowing users to assess the need for cleaning or replacement, and potentially incorporating additional features like subsonic frequencies for disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact lenses are exposed to UV light for disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but lens damage occurs due to prolonged direct exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the UV light source from direct contact with the lens by using a reflective surface positioned at an angle. The UV light reflects off the surface to disinfect the lens indirectly, dividing the disinfection function from the direct exposure path.
Solution Approach 2:
A reflective surface acts as an intermediary between the UV light source and the contact lens. This mediator enables UV radiation to reach the lens for disinfection without direct exposure, preventing lens damage while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If enzyme tablets and hydrogen peroxide solutions are used for cleaning, then protein deposit removal is improved, but treatment frequency and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables users to self-inspect lenses for protein deposits and defects using UV illumination and viewing windows. Users can determine cleaning needs independently without relying on manufacturer-prescribed schedules, allowing treatment only when actually necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing windows provide visual feedback about lens condition by illuminating protein deposits and defects under UV light. This feedback mechanism allows users to assess lens cleanliness and make informed decisions about when cleaning or replacement is needed.
3Reliability
If manufacturer-prescribed treatment frequencies are followed, then lens hygiene is maintained, but unnecessary treatments and costs occur for users with lower deposit accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
Users independently inspect their lenses using the UV light source and viewing windows to determine actual cleaning needs. This self-assessment replaces manufacturer-prescribed schedules with user-specific decisions based on actual lens condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the parameter of treatment frequency from fixed (manufacturer-prescribed) to variable (user-determined based on inspection). Users adjust treatment frequency according to their individual usage patterns and environmental factors.
4Manufacturing precision
If subsonic frequencies are applied for disinfection, then protein deposit dislodgement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts only the essential inspection function (UV illumination and viewing) from complex cleaning systems. By removing unnecessary mechanical components and focusing on simple optical inspection, the device achieves effective lens assessment without subsonic vibration mechanisms.
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
The UV light source improves contrast and visibility of impurities and defects, enabling users to determine the cleanliness and integrity of lenses efficiently, reducing maintenance frequency and preventing damage, while potentially aiding in disinfection without direct UV exposure harming the lenses.
Implementation Method 1
A container for contact lenses equipped with an ultraviolet (UV) light source that illuminates deposits and defects, enhancing visibility through viewing windows
Implementation Method 2
The liquid medium is then disinfected through prolonged exposure (e.g., for 15 minutes or more) to UV radiation and heat, which thus disinfects the lenses indirectly
Implementation Method 3
the lenses are disposed in a liquid medium and are exposed to subsonic frequencies, which act to dislodge protein deposits and other debris from the surfaces of the lenses
Data Source
AI summary
A container (101) for contact lenses is provided which comprises a chamber (105) adapted to store an ophthalmic lens in a fluid medium, a window for viewing a lens disposed in the chamber, and a UV light source adapted to illuminate the lens with UV radiation.