Cornea Preservation Device with Breakable Locking Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for preserving explanted corneas lack security measures to ensure the cornea remains unopened and uncontaminated from explantation to reimplantation, posing risks during transfer and storage.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a sealed outer main case containing a viewing chamber and a locking ring mechanism that prevents the lid from being removed unless intentionally broken or deformed, ensuring the cornea is not reopened once sealed, and using sterilizable materials for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional viewing chamber with a removable lid is used, then the cornea can be accessed and handled during the procedure, but the security and sterility of the cornea cannot be guaranteed during transfer and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the containment system into two separate sealed containers: an inner container that directly holds the cornea and an outer container that provides additional protection. This segmentation allows the cornea to remain isolated in a controlled environment while still being accessible through the transparent walls of the inner container, resolving the contradiction between security and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent wall of the inner container serves as an intermediary that allows visual inspection and monitoring of the cornea without requiring physical access or opening the sealed container. This mediator enables operational needs to be met while maintaining the integrity and sterility of the cornea throughout the procedure.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is made removable for easy access, then the device is easier to operate, but the risk of contamination and unauthorized opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner container is designed as a single-use disposable component that is sealed and then discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for complex locking mechanisms and ensures that the container cannot be reopened, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining ease of initial operation. The disposable nature guarantees sterility throughout the entire procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is pre-sealed in a sterile environment before the cornea is placed in it. This preliminary sealing action ensures that the cornea is protected from contamination from the moment of implantation, and the container cannot be opened later, eliminating the risk of unauthorized access or contamination during transfer and storage.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent lid removal, then the security of the cornea is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the inner container disposable and single-use, the patent eliminates the need for complex locking mechanisms entirely. The container is designed to be sealed and then discarded after one use, providing security through its disposable nature rather than through mechanical locks. This greatly simplifies the device while maintaining high reliability.
4Loss of information
If transparent portions are added to allow viewing, then the ability to monitor the cornea from outside is improved, but the structural integrity and sealing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The inner container is designed with transparent portions only in specific locations where viewing is needed, while the rest of the structure maintains its sealing integrity. This local application of transparency allows monitoring of the cornea without compromising the overall strength and seal of the container. The transparent sections are strategically placed to provide necessary visibility while preserving structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Medical device for preserving explanted corneas, serving as a "viewing chamber", comprising a sealed outer main case (2) which contains a container (3) for preserving and viewing a cornea which comprises a vessel (4) which inside it forms a preserving chamber, (11), a supporting unit (12) for a corneoscleral disc positioned in the preserving chamber (11), and a first lid (5) removably joinable or joined to the vessel (4); the medical device (1) being ready for use and also comprising a first locking ring (18) which is joinable or joined to both the first lid (5) and to the vessel (4), outside them, and is breakable or deformable; wherein when the first lid (5) is joined to the vessel (4) and the first locking ring (18) is joined both to the first lid (5) and to the vessel (4), in an intact and non-deformed condition, the first locking ring (18) prevents removal of the first lid (5) from the vessel (4), whereas in a broken or deformed condition, the first locking ring (18) allows removal of the first lid (5) from the vessel (4).