Curved Contact Lens Alignment System for Laser Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic laser surgery methods face challenges in maintaining proper optical alignment between the patient's eye and the laser unit, requiring flexible and cost-effective solutions for positioning the eye at a predetermined distance, with options to either move the patient or the laser unit into alignment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a patient interface with a curved contact lens, a suction ring, and an alignment device mounted on the laser unit, allowing for either pre-positioning of the contact lens on the eye or the laser unit, with a clamp mechanism to secure the interface at a predetermined distance from the laser unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical alignment mechanism is used to position the eye with the laser unit, then optical alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is divided into separate functional modules: a contact lens with suction ring for eye attachment, a clamp mechanism for positioning, and a laser unit with alignment device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall alignment precision, reducing the complexity of any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
A contact lens serves as an intermediary element between the patient's eye and the laser unit. The lens incorporates a suction ring for attachment and interfaces with both the eye and the alignment device, simplifying the overall mechanical alignment system by providing a stable intermediate platform for positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the contact lens is pre-positioned on the eye before alignment, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens is pre-positioned on the patient's eye using a suction ring attachment mechanism before final alignment with the laser unit. This preliminary action allows the eye to be stabilized and secured, making subsequent alignment operations easier while maintaining precision through the rigid connection provided by the suction ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for dynamic adjustment of the alignment between the contact lens, clamp mechanism, and laser unit. The clamp can be adjusted to accommodate variations in eye position while maintaining secure attachment, enabling easy operation without sacrificing positioning precision through flexible mechanical adjustment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid clamp mechanism is used to secure the contact lens, then positioning stability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow it to transition between different states during operation. The clamp can be easily adjusted and repositioned during the alignment process, then locked into a stable configuration to secure the contact lens, providing both ease of operation and positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism allows for parameter changes in its positioning and clamping force during operation. This enables the operator to easily adjust the clamp to accommodate different eye positions and patient anatomies, then stabilize the parameters to maintain precise positioning throughout the surgical procedure.
4Manufacturing precision
If a complex alignment device is used to ensure precise positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is segmented into separate components with standardized interfaces, allowing each part to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances. The contact lens, suction ring, clamp mechanism, and laser unit alignment device can be produced using conventional manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining precise positioning through the assembly of these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lens serves multiple functions: it attaches to the eye via suction ring, provides an optical interface, and incorporates alignment features for the clamp mechanism and laser unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring precise predetermined distance positioning through the integrated design.
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
Ensures accurate and flexible optical alignment of the patient's eye with the laser unit, allowing for easy operation and cost-effective manufacturing, while maintaining the contact lens at a consistent distance for precise surgical alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a suction ring that is attached to a clamp... During this contact, the lens is held stationary on the anterior surface of the eye
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~6B
AI summary
A system for positioning the eye of a patient in alignment with a laser unit for laser surgery includes an alignment device that is mounted on the laser unit. It also includes a patient interface having a curved contact lens. Additionally, a clamp with an attached suction ring can be engaged with the interface to hold the lens against the eye of the patient. Thus, when the interface is joined with the alignment device, the lens is positioned against the eye of the patient at a predetermined distance from the laser unit for laser surgery.