Digital Corneal Marking With Motorized Axis Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corneal marking devices for cataract and astigmatism operations lack precision in positioning toric intraocular lenses, leading to reduced effectiveness when manually and analogically performed.

Innovation Solution

A digital corneal marking device with a precision motor that rotates to achieve exact positioning of the corneal axis, using a movable tip impregnated with non-toxic ink, and incorporates a motor-driven mechanism with ceramic bearings for centring and a camera for visual guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual and analogical methods are used for corneal marking, then the device structure is simple, but the positioning precision of toric intraocular lens is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an electronic-digital motorized system. The corneal marker includes a motor that rotates the marking tip to precise angular positions (0-180 degrees) electronically controlled, substituting the manual mechanical rotation with automated electronic control for superior positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a camera to capture images of the cornea and displays them on a screen, creating a visual copy of the anatomical structure. This allows the surgeon to see the marking position before making the actual mark, enabling precise positioning through optical copying and visual feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If manual rotation of the marking tip is used, then the device is easier to operate, but the effectiveness of toric lens positioning is reduced due to degree-level errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of toric lens positioningVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a camera system that captures real-time images of the cornea and displays them on a screen, providing visual feedback to the surgeon. The system also includes angular markings and a movable crosshair that provide continuous feedback on the marking position, allowing precise adjustment to achieve the correct toric lens orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static manual rotation into a dynamic motorized system with adjustable speed and precise stopping positions. The motor can rotate the marking tip to any angular position within 0-180 degrees and stop precisely at the target position, providing dynamic control that combines ease of operation with high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If analogical marking methods are used, then the device is simpler, but the preparation success rate is considerably lower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparation success rateVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the simple analogical marking mechanism with a motorized electronic system that provides precise angular positioning. The motor rotates the marking tip to exact degrees required for toric lens orientation, and the electronic control system tracks and displays the angular position, significantly improving preparation success rate despite increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device: the corneal marker includes a motor for rotation, a camera for imaging, a screen for display, and angular measurement capabilities. This multi-functional integration improves reliability by combining positioning, visualization, and measurement functions in one system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances precision in corneal marking, improving the success of toric lens positioning and reducing errors by offering electronic-digital precision.

Implementation Method 1

the corneal marker object of the present invention comprises a motor inside it that rotates until the exact position in degrees required for the orientation of the axis of the toric intraocular lens is obtained

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric motor rotation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

inserted into two ceramic bearings at each end, where said base works as a pendulum centring the motor on an even level to have the reference between 0 and 180 degrees

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall bearing support: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 3

In a different embodiment, the cylindrical front cover (9) is provided with a camera (12) pointing directly at the eye, connected to the electronic circuit of the device, and the image of which is shown on the rear interface screen.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCamera imaging: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP4606360A1Digital corneal marking device
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 AJL OPHTHALMIC
  • EP4606360A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4606360A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4606360A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a digital corneal marking device formed by a manually handled tool comprising a cylindrical case body (1) that comprises: on the rear part, a motherboard with a control unit (2), battery (3) and a lower cover (4); in the central part, a drive mechanism formed by a guide (5) having a partially cylindrical cross-section on which a motor (6) sits, the motor being coupled to a set of concentric cylindrical ceramic adjustment pieces (7) at each end, wherein the unit is coupled to a movable tip (8) impregnated with non-toxic, non-irritating marking ink; and on the front part, a cylindrical front cover (9) provided with a central through-hole (10) through which the movable tip (8) exits, the front face of the front cover being provided with a series of angular marks (11). The device also comprises an interface (13) formed by a screen and buttons (physical, membrane, tactile or similar), which is arranged on the side of the case body (1) or on the base of the lower cover (4).