Eyelid Control Strip for Ultrasound Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for holding an eyelid open during ultrasonic imaging procedures are inadequate as they do not allow for adjustable tension and can be uncomfortable for patients, leading to involuntary blinking and interference with image quality.
Innovation Solution
A narrow strip of adhesive tape is applied to the eyelid, with an extendable non-adhesive strip allowing for controlled tension adjustment, minimizing adhesive contact with surrounding tissue and providing patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a narrow strip of adhesive tape is applied to the eyelid, then patient comfort is improved and involuntary blinking is reduced, but the ability to adjust eyelid tension is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive tape is divided into two distinct segments: a narrow adhesive strip (approximately 2-5 mm wide) applied directly to the eyelid for comfort, and a wider non-adhesive extension strip (approximately 1-2 cm wide) that provides the adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows the tape to simultaneously achieve patient comfort through minimal adhesive contact and adjustable tension through the extendable non-adhesive portion.
2Ease of operation
If adhesive contact with surrounding tissue is minimized, then patient comfort is improved, but the securing strength of the tape is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive property is concentrated locally only where needed on the eyelid surface (narrow strip), while the extension strip has no adhesive properties. This local quality approach ensures strong securing at the adhesive interface while maintaining comfort by eliminating adhesive contact with surrounding tissue. The securing strength is maintained through the localized adhesive bond combined with the mechanical anchoring provided by the extension strip.
3Ease of operation
If the adhesive strip is made narrow, then patient comfort is improved and surrounding tissue is protected, but the bonding area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extension strip acts as an intermediary element that compensates for the reduced bonding area of the narrow adhesive strip. By providing a larger non-adhesive extension that can be anchored to surrounding structures (cheek, forehead, or imaging device), the system maintains reliable eyelid positioning even though the adhesive contact area is minimized for patient comfort.
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 effectively prevents involuntary blinking and allows for precise control of eyelid tension, enhancing image quality and patient comfort during ultrasonic imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a narrow strip of adhesive tape is applied to the eyelid
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided herein to control movement of a patient's eyelid during a diagnostic procedure such as scanning the patient's eye with an ultrasound or optical imaging device. Strips having a non-adhesive portion and an adhesive portion are attached to each eyelid. The patient can then pull on distal ends of the strip to open the patient's eye and press the strips into an eyepiece to hold the patient's eyelids and keep the patient's eye open.