UV Disinfecting Base Unit for Contact Lens Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disinfecting contact lenses, such as using chemical disinfectants, are not always effective in eliminating bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi, leading to potential eye infections and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A radiation disinfecting base unit and storage case that provide controlled disinfecting radiation to kill unwanted microorganisms on contact lenses, with integrated logic for data recording, analysis, user messaging, programming options, and communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical disinfectants are used to disinfect contact lenses, then the disinfection process is simple and low-cost, but the effectiveness in eliminating microorganisms is insufficient and may cause eye infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical disinfection with UV radiation disinfection. The UV base unit emits ultraviolet light that penetrates the contact lens case to sterilize lenses without requiring chemical solutions. This substitution achieves superior disinfection effectiveness while maintaining operational simplicity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a UV base unit as an intermediary disinfection system between lens storage and eye insertion. This intermediary device provides controlled UV exposure to eliminate microorganisms without direct chemical contact with lenses, solving the effectiveness issue while keeping the user interface simple.
2Reliability
If chemical disinfecting solutions are used, then the initial disinfection cost is low, but the cumulative cost over time is high due to continuous solution purchases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for continuous purchase of chemical disinfection solutions by using a reusable UV base unit. The UV-C LED or bulb provides ongoing disinfection capability without consumable costs, significantly reducing long-term expenses while maintaining effective microbial elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV base unit enables self-service disinfection where the system automatically sterilizes lenses without requiring external chemical solutions. Users simply place lenses in the case, close it, and the UV unit automatically disinfects them, eliminating the need to purchase and manage disinfection solutions.
3Ease of operation
If traditional chemical disinfection is used, then the process is straightforward, but it fails to eliminate resistant microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the disinfection parameter from chemical concentration to UV radiation dose. By controlling UV intensity and exposure time, the system achieves comprehensive microbial elimination across different organism types while maintaining operational simplicity. The UV wavelength and duration are optimized to penetrate lens materials and kill resistant microorganisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for a programmable processor in a disinfecting radiation base unit for working in conjunction with a storage case for an ophthalmic lens. The processor is operative via executable software to provide disinfecting radiation base radiation for disinfecting an ophthalmic lens. A disinfecting radiation base unit and storage case may also include sensors for providing data and a digital storage for storing the data.