Conical Suction Ring Conjunctival Membrane Fixation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical procedures for ocular pathologies, such as myopia treatment, using suction rings often lead to significant increases in intraocular pressure due to the strong suction force applied near the limbus, which is not acceptable for conditions like glaucoma.

Innovation Solution

A conical suction ring with a hollow portion positioned to contact the conjunctival membrane, generating a depression of 80-150 mmHg, specifically designed to limit intraocular pressure increases by applying suction to the conjunctival membrane rather than directly to the eye's surface, ensuring the ring's secure positioning without deforming the eye.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a strong suction force is applied by the suction ring to secure it on the patient's eye, then the ring is firmly fixed, but the intraocular pressure increases significantly which is harmful for glaucoma patients

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvering fixation stabilityVSAvoidintraocular pressure increase
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction system uses the conjunctival membrane as an intermediary layer between the suction ring and the eyeball. By positioning the hollow portion to contact the conjunctival membrane rather than directly applying suction to the eye surface, the membrane absorbs and distributes the suction force, preventing direct transmission of high pressure to the intraocular space while maintaining secure ring fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction system operates at reduced depression levels of 80-150 mmHg compared to conventional strong suction systems. This parameter change in suction intensity, combined with the conjunctival membrane intermediary, achieves adequate ring stabilization while limiting intraocular pressure increase to acceptable levels for glaucoma patients

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the hollow portion is positioned to contact the conjunctival membrane instead of the limbus, then intraocular pressure increase is limited, but the ring fixation may be less stable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintraocular pressure increaseVSAvoidring fixation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conjunctival membrane serves as a compliant intermediary that can be deformed by suction without transmitting excessive force to the eyeball. The membrane's elasticity allows it to be drawn into the hollow portion, creating a seal that provides stable ring fixation while the membrane itself absorbs the mechanical stress, preventing harmful pressure transmission to the intraocular space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design maintains intraocular pressure invariant by deforming the conjunctival membrane, which absorbs the suction force, preventing eye deformation and pressure elevation, thus ensuring safe and stable ocular treatment.

Implementation Method 1

a suction system connected to the hollow portion to suck air into the hollow portion so fixing the ring on the patient's eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

the suction system is suitable for generating a slight depression of between 80 and 150 millimeters of mercury (mmHg)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure depression: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 3

The fact that the suction zone is placed not opposite the limbus devoid of conjunctiva, but about 2 mm beyond it, i.e. opposite an area where the sclera is covered with a thin membrane conjunctival allows to obtain a soft aspiration of the bulbar conjunctiva

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2601918B1Suction device for treating an ocular disease
Publication Date: 2014.06.04 EYE TECH CARE
  • EP2601918B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2601918B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for treating an eye condition comprising: - a suction ring (1) including a proximal end adapted to come against the eye of a patient and having a hollow portion, - a suction system (5) connected to the hollow portion to aspirate air into the hollow portion so as to fix the ring on the eye of the patient, notable in that the suction system is adapted to generate a slight depression of less than 150 millimeters of mercury and preferably substantially equal to 120 millimeters of mercury.