AVS Connector Module Using Magnetic Induction to Prevent Vacuum Surges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phacoemulsification systems experience vacuum surges during occlusion clearance, which can cause traumatic consequences to the eye due to sudden pressure changes in the aspiration channel.

Innovation Solution

An Anti-Vacuum Surge (AVS) system with a fast-acting solenoid valve and magnetic induction coils for power and data transfer, which detects pressure changes to control fluid connectivity and prevent vacuum surges by using magnetic induction to eliminate electrical connections, allowing for uninterrupted energy and data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple individual module connections are used to transfer power and data, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity increases and susceptibility to vacuum surge damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual electrical connections into a single integrated connector module that interfaces with the handpiece through one unified connection point. This merging approach maintains reliable power and data transfer while reducing the number of separate connection points exposed to vacuum surge conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector module acts as an intermediary between the console and handpiece, incorporating a solenoid valve that mediates fluid flow control. This intermediary component protects the electrical connections from direct exposure to vacuum surge conditions while maintaining functional connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If electrical connections are made directly to the handpiece, then power and data transfer is efficient, but the connections are vulnerable to damage from vacuum surges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower and data transfer efficiencyVSAvoidvacuum surge damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid valve is positioned upstream of the electrical connections to preemptively control fluid flow and prevent vacuum surge formation before it can reach the vulnerable electrical components. This prior cushioning approach protects the connections while maintaining efficient power and data transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The solenoid valve serves as a protective intermediary that controls aspiration flow independently of the electrical connections. By mediating the fluid control function, it shields the electrical components from direct exposure to harmful vacuum conditions while preserving transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a solenoid valve is added to control aspiration flow, then vacuum surge is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum surge protectionVSAvoidconnector module components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector module is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical connection, fluid flow control via solenoid valve, and vacuum surge protection. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the overall device complexity is managed while achieving reliable vacuum surge protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the connector module is designed with multiple functions, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector module functionalityVSAvoidconnector module manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components (electrical connectors, solenoid valve, fluid channels) are merged into a single integrated connector module assembly. This consolidation improves versatility while managing manufacturing complexity through modular design and standardized assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 AVS system effectively manages vacuum surges by controlling pressure changes, reducing the risk of eye damage and ensuring consistent operation of the phacoemulsification process.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic induction coils for power and data transfer... using magnetic induction to eliminate electrical connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4522090B1Anti-vacuum surge module with power and data transmission coils

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION INC

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AI summary

Methods and systems provide provides a vacuum surge protection system or an Anti-Vacuum Surge (AVS) module and a console-side connector that form an energy (power) and/or data transfer system, which passes the energy and/or data using a magnetic field, via non-contact magnetic induction, between the console-side connector and the AVS module. The AVS module typically powers a medical tool, such as a phacoemulsification handpiece, for ophthalmic procedures, such as cataract removal.