Free-Floating Eye Interface Assembly for Laser Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser eye surgery systems face challenges in accommodating patient movement while maintaining alignment of the electromagnetic treatment beam, leading to increased complexity and cost due to rigid support structures and potential movement discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface assembly with a free-floating mechanism that supports a scanner, allowing for relative movement of the patient while maintaining beam alignment, using a combination of linkages and solenoid brake assemblies to secure positions during initial positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid support structures and dedicated patient restraint assemblies are used to inhibit patient movement, then beam alignment is maintained, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid, fixed support structures with a dynamic positioning system that includes a movable cart and adjustable support assembly. The cart can be repositioned along the optical path, and the support assembly can be adjusted to accommodate patient movement while maintaining beam alignment through controlled motion rather than rigid constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by using a repositionable cart that can serve multiple functions: supporting the optical path components, accommodating patient movement, and maintaining alignment. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for separate dedicated patient restraint assemblies and rigid support structures, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If rigid support structures and dedicated patient restraint assemblies are used to inhibit patient movement, then beam alignment is maintained, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The repositionable cart serves multiple functions including supporting optical components, accommodating patient movement, and maintaining alignment. This multi-functional design reduces the need for multiple separate expensive components, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning system with movable cart and adjustable support assembly replaces expensive rigid restraint mechanisms. The dynamic system achieves alignment maintenance through controlled movement rather than rigid constraint, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If contact lens is employed to restrain eye movement, then eye movement is inhibited, but patient discomfort and anxiety increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the repositionable cart with adjustable support assembly - that mediates between the patient and the optical path. This intermediary allows patient movement while maintaining alignment, eliminating the need for direct contact restraint methods like contact lenses that cause discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic support system allows natural patient movement while maintaining beam alignment through controlled adjustment, eliminating the need for restrictive contact lenses. This creates a more comfortable patient experience while achieving the same eye movement control objective.
4Reliability
If dedicated support assembly with restraint features is used, then patient movement is inhibited, but ease of use decreases due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The repositionable cart with adjustable support assembly serves multiple functions: supporting the optical path, accommodating patient movement, and maintaining alignment. This simplified multi-functional device is easier to use than complex dedicated restraint assemblies while achieving the same positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into modular components - the repositionable cart and the adjustable support assembly - that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation simplifies operation compared to integrated rigid restraint systems, allowing flexible adjustment without complex restraint mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient interface includes an eye interface device, a scanner, a first support assembly, and a beam source. The eye interface device is configured to interface with an eye of a patient. The scanner is configured to be coupled with the eye interface device and operable to scan an electromagnetic radiation beam in at least two dimensions in an eye interfaced with the eye interface device. The scanner and the eye interface device move in conjunction with movement of the eye. The first support assembly supports the scanner so as to accommodate relative movement between the scanner and the first support assembly parallel so as to accommodate movement of the eye. The beam source generates the electromagnetic radiation beam. The electromagnetic radiation beam propagates from the beam source to the scanner along an optical path having an optical path length that varies in response to movement of the eye.