Deformable Silicone Sleeve for Intraocular Lens Plunger Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
During intraocular lens (IOL) surgery, sudden changes in force exerted by the plunger can lead to uncontrolled advancement and improper placement or damage to eye tissue, as existing IOL injector systems fail to provide consistent resistance.
Innovation Solution
A plunger system comprising a shell, a plunger, and a deformable sleeve made of silicone, which engages with the shell and plunger to provide force feedback, maintaining its shape and resisting sudden force decreases to prevent uncontrolled advancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal spring is used to provide resistive force during plunger advancement, then uncontrolled plunger advancement is deterred, but the device complexity increases and the force feedback is not smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the resistive element from a rigid metal spring to a deformable sleeve made of elastomeric material. This parameter change allows the sleeve to deform continuously under load, providing smooth force feedback while simplifying the overall device structure by eliminating complex spring mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a deformable sleeve made of elastomeric material that acts as a flexible element between the plunger and the IOL. This flexible sleeve deforms under compression to provide resistive force, replacing rigid metal springs and reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable control
2Reliability
If interference fits between components are used to influence plunger advancement rate, then control is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from rigid interference fit mechanisms to a deformable elastomeric sleeve that provides controlled resistance through material deformation. This parameter change in material properties allows for smooth, continuous force feedback without requiring complex interference fit geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable sleeve acts as a flexible element that provides controlled resistance to plunger advancement through elastic deformation. This flexible approach replaces rigid interference fit components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable control of advancement rate
3Reliability
If continuous force is applied to the plunger to maintain control, then uncontrolled advancement is prevented, but the ease of operation decreases due to continuous user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable sleeve provides continuous tactile force feedback to the user during plunger advancement. As the sleeve deforms under compression, it delivers resistance that the user can feel, enabling intuitive control without requiring continuous active force application. The feedback mechanism allows the user to sense and respond to changes in resistance naturally
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable sleeve automatically provides resistive force and feedback throughout the advancement process without requiring active user intervention to maintain control. The elastomeric material self-regulates the force based on its deformation, reducing the cognitive and physical burden on the user while maintaining reliable control
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 system ensures controlled IOL insertion by providing automatic force feedback, reducing the risk of tissue damage and improper placement, allowing for consistent resistance without the need for continuous user force application.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable sleeve may be adapted to engage with the outer wall of the shell as the plunger is moved through the passage. As the plunger is moved through the shell, the deformable sleeve may be compressed between the plunger and the shell. The deformable sleeve may, for example, be composed of silicone.
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for intraocular lens surgery. In particular implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include a shell, a plunger, and a deformable sleeve. The shell may, for example, include an outer wall and an inner wall, wherein the inner wall defines a passage through the body. The plunger may be adapted to move within the passage and include first end adapted to be engaged by a user for advancing the plunger within the passage and a second end adapted to interface with an intraocular lens. The deformable sleeve may be sized to fit around the plunger and adapted to engage with the shell and the plunger to provide force feedback to advancing the plunger through the passage.