Eyelid Support Assembly with Bone-Mounted Plate and Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and methods for treating lower eyelid paralysis are inadequate in providing optimal support and stability, leading to issues like ectropion, lid laxity, epiphora, lagophthalmos, and corneal damage, and often fail to improve the cosmetic appearance of the eye region.
Innovation Solution
An eyelid support assembly comprising a mounting plate attached to a facial bone, an elongate shaft extending between the mounting plate and an eyelid support member attached to the inferior tarsus, which exerts upward and inward forces to lift and stabilize the lower eyelid, utilizing biocompatible materials and adjustable configurations to accommodate individual anatomical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing lower eyelid support devices are used, then some support function is provided, but they fail to provide optimal support and stability, leading to ectropion, lid laxity, and poor cosmetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple components: a mounting plate for bone attachment, an elongate shaft for structural support, and a lower eyelid support member for direct eyelid contact. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall stability and support effectiveness while preventing ectropion and lid laxity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is pre-configured with bone attachment features and the elongate shaft is pre-positioned to provide structural framework before the eyelid support member is attached. This preliminary structural preparation ensures optimal support stability is established before final eyelid positioning, preventing post-surgical complications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed configuration devices are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but they fail to accommodate individual anatomical needs
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable features including variable shaft lengths, different mounting plate configurations, and customizable support member dimensions. These dynamic elements allow the device to be adapted to individual anatomical variations while maintaining a modular structure that balances complexity with manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate and elongate shaft are designed with universal attachment features that can accommodate different anatomical configurations. The standardized interface allows the same basic components to serve multiple patients with varying anatomical needs, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing support devices are used, then some stabilization is achieved, but they fail to improve cosmetic appearance of the eye region
Solution Approach 1:
The lower eyelid support member is specifically designed with localized contact surfaces and curvature that match the natural anatomy of the eyelid. This local optimization ensures that support effectiveness is concentrated where needed, while simultaneously improving cosmetic appearance by restoring natural eyelid contour and position.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member incorporates curved and contoured surfaces that follow the natural spherical geometry of the eyelid structure. This curvature design provides effective mechanical support while enhancing cosmetic appearance by restoring the natural rounded contour of the lower eyelid, eliminating flattening or distortion.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for lifting a lower eyelid can be surgically implanted into a patient. The assembly can include a mounting plate, an eyelid support member, and an elongate shaft that extends between and couples the mounting plate to the eyelid support member. The mounting plate can be coupled to facial bone, such as the zygomatic bone, while the eyelid support member contacts and lifts up an inferior tarsus and the lower eyelid of the patient.