Counterbalanced Electromagnetic Drive for Vitrectomy Probe Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vitrectomy probes face limitations due to pneumatic mechanisms, which are slow, noisy, and produce unwanted vibrations, making them less effective for precise ophthalmic surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

An ophthalmic surgical probe with a counterbalanced electromagnetic drive, utilizing a first magnet secured to the inner member and a second magnet positioned to move oppositely, is used to reciprocally move the inner member within the sleeve member, reducing vibration and allowing for faster cutting rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If pneumatic mechanisms are used to drive vitrectomy probes, then the cutting and removal of vitreous humor can be performed, but the operating speed is limited and cut rates are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting speedVSAvoidcut rate

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pneumatic mechanical actuation system with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic actuator directly drives the inner member to reciprocate, eliminating the need for pneumatic compression and mechanical transmission components. This substitution enables higher operating speeds and cut rates while maintaining precise control of the cutting element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If pneumatic mechanisms are used to drive vitrectomy probes, then the cutting function is achieved, but excessive noise is generated during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise levelVSAvoidsurgical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuation system replaces the noisy pneumatic mechanism, eliminating compressor noise and pneumatic valve sounds. The electromagnetic field generates motion without mechanical compression or rapid gas expansion, significantly reducing auditory disturbance in the surgical environment while maintaining efficient vitreous cutting and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If conventional electromagnetic mechanisms are used in vitrectomy probes, then cutting speed can be improved, but unwanted vibration is produced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating speedVSAvoidvibration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a counterbalancing mechanism where a second magnet is positioned to move in opposition to the first magnet driven by the electromagnetic actuator. This counterbalancing arrangement offsets the vibratory forces generated during rapid reciprocation, reducing unwanted probe vibration and improving surgical stability while maintaining high operating speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Ease of operation

If pneumatic mechanisms are used, then the vitrectomy probe can operate, but mechanical actuation limitations reduce precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuator provides direct, precise control of the inner member's reciprocating motion through electrical signal control, eliminating the complexity of pneumatic regulation valves and pressure control mechanisms. This enables more precise control over cutting depth, speed, and rhythm, improving surgical precision while reducing the overall mechanical complexity of the actuation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 counterbalanced electromagnetic drive reduces vibration, enabling more precise and efficient cutting and removal of vitreous humor, enhancing surgical control and reducing surgeon fatigue.

Implementation Method 1

a first coil secured within the body, a first magnet operatively secured to the inner member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second magnet that is not secured to the inner member, the second magnet being positioned and arranged to move in an opposite direction of the first magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS10251782B2Vitrectomy probe with a counterbalanced electromagnetic drive

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 ALCON INC

AI summary

According to one example, an ophthalmic surgical probe for treating an eye of a patient includes a body arranged for grasping by a surgeon and a cutting element extending distally from the body. The cutting element includes a sleeve member and an inner member disposed within the sleeve member, the inner member being movable axially with respect to the sleeve member. The probe also includes an actuating element configured to reciprocally move the inner member relative to the sleeve member. The actuating element includes a first coil secured within the body, a first magnet operatively secured to the inner member, and a second magnet that is not secured to the inner member, the second magnet being positioned and arranged to move in an opposite direction of the first magnet upon application of a voltage to the first coil.