Deflectable Plunger Members for Tactile Lens Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lens delivery systems lack tactile feedback due to plungers sliding too easily within the injector body, making it difficult for surgeons to achieve precise and controlled advancement of the lens during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating deflectable members connected to the plunger that contact the inner wall of the injector body, providing a predetermined resistance force and tactile feedback by deflecting as the plunger advances, allowing for centered positioning and controlled force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plunger is designed to slide freely within the injector body, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of advancement is worsened due to lack of tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms into the plunger system through deflectable members that contact the inner wall of the injector body. As the plunger advances, these deflectable members provide resistance and tactile cues to the surgeon, enabling precise control of lens advancement while maintaining ease of operation. The feedback loop allows the surgeon to feel the progression and stop points of the lens delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable members are pre-configured to deflect at specific points during plunger advancement, providing predetermined resistance forces that guide the surgeon through the delivery process. This preliminary setup of resistance mechanisms ensures that tactile feedback is available exactly when needed during the surgical procedure.
2Measurement precision
If deflectable members are added to provide resistance force, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses deflectable members that can be thin, flexible elements rather than complex rigid mechanisms. These members deflect under load to provide resistance force, achieving precise control functionality with simpler, more compact structures. The flexible nature of these components allows them to integrate smoothly into the existing plunger and injector body design.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable members transition from a static design to a dynamic one, where the resistance force is not fixed but varies based on the deflection state. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to adapt resistance levels during advancement, providing precise control without requiring multiple fixed resistance mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If deflectable members are used to center the plunger, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to increased resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectable members provide localized resistance and centering forces at specific interaction points with the injector body wall, rather than creating uniform resistance throughout the entire plunger surface. This localized approach maintains stability and centering while minimizing the overall resistance to advancement, preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance characteristics of the deflectable members can be adjusted by changing material properties, geometry, or configuration parameters. This allows optimization of the balance between centering stability and ease of advancement, tuning the system to provide sufficient centering force without excessive resistance that would hinder smooth operation.
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 solution provides a calibrated resistance that enhances the surgeon's ability to intuitively control the lens delivery, improving the ease and success rate of surgical procedures by offering a suitable 'feel' and adjustable resistance values tailored to individual preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of deflectable members connected to the plunger and configured to contact the inner wall and to be deflected when the plunger is inserted within the bore
Implementation Method 2
providing a predetermined resistance force and tactile feedback by deflecting as the plunger advances
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
AI summary
An intraocular lens delivery system includes an injector body having a bore surrounded by an inner wall. The system further includes a plunger configured to fit within the bore. The system also includes a plurality of deflectable members connected to the plunger and configured to contact the inner wall and to be deflected when the plunger is inserted within the bore. The deflectable members center the shaft and, when inserted within the injector body, contribute to producing a predetermined force resisting advancement of the plunger when deflected in the bore.