Femtosecond Laser Suction Cone Mechanical Stop Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current femtosecond laser ophthalmic surgery docking processes rely on manual visual inspection for precise placement of the suction cone, leading to potential errors and complications due to tilt or improper positioning of the suction ring, which can cause stress to the patient and risk damage to eye structures.
Innovation Solution
A femtosecond laser docking apparatus featuring a suction cone with an upper frusto-conical portion and a lower spherical portion, along with a suction ring having a mechanical stop and contact/sealing surfaces, ensures precise positioning by preventing the suction cone from being lowered further than the mechanical stop, allowing for centered and tilted docking without additional tilt, thus reducing errors and complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection is used for docking the suction cone, then the docking process can be performed with simple equipment, but the positioning accuracy and reliability are reduced leading to potential errors and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cone and suction ring are designed with self-aligning geometric features (frusto-conical upper portion matching the ring geometry, spherical lower portion engaging the mechanical stop) that enable automatic centering and positioning without requiring complex external guidance systems or advanced visual inspection techniques. The geometry itself performs the alignment function
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical stop is pre-positioned on the suction ring at a specific location that corresponds to the desired docking depth. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the suction cone is lowered, it automatically stops at the correct position without requiring real-time monitoring or adjustment, preventing over-penetration before the docking process even begins
2Reliability
If the suction cone is lowered further toward the eye beyond proper positioning, then more complete tissue contact is achieved, but the risk of damage to eye structures and patient stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical stop is designed to engage the spherical lower portion of the suction cone before the cone can be lowered far enough to cause damage to eye structures. This preliminary counter-action prevents the harmful outcome (over-penetration and tissue damage) by physically blocking the motion at a safe distance
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical stop acts as a protective barrier that cushions against the potential harmful effect of over-lowering the suction cone. By providing a physical limit before damage can occur, it prevents the worst-case scenario without requiring complex sensing or control systems during the docking process
3Productivity
If the suction cone is lowered without a mechanical stop, then the docking process is simpler and faster, but the precision of positioning is reduced leading to potential tilt and improper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric design of the suction cone (frusto-conical upper portion, spherical lower portion) and suction ring create a self-aligning system that automatically centers the cone during lowering. The mechanical stop provides a physical reference that ensures consistent positioning, eliminating the need for time-consuming visual alignment while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical stop is pre-positioned at the exact location that corresponds to optimal docking depth. This preliminary setup ensures that every docking operation automatically achieves the correct positioning without requiring operator judgment or adjustment, making the process both fast and precise
4Measurement precision
If visual inspection guidance is used for suction cone placement, then the equipment can be simpler, but the consistency and repeatability of docking are reduced due to reliance on user experience and perception
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric features of the suction cone and ring (frusto-conical shapes, spherical portions) create a self-aligning system that automatically ensures consistent positioning regardless of operator skill. The mechanical stop provides a universal reference point that works for all operators, eliminating variability due to individual experience levels
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical stop and geometric features are pre-configured to provide consistent positioning references for all docking operations. This preliminary setup ensures that every operator, regardless of experience level, will achieve the same level of positioning consistency, making the process repeatable and reliable
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a femtosecond laser docking apparatus that includes a suction cone, with an upper frusto-conical portion and lower spherical portion, and a suction ring, with a mechanical stop and at least one contact and sealing surface. The mechanical stop engages the spherical portion of the suction cone to prevent it from being lowered further toward an eye, in a z-direction, beyond the mechanical stop. This disclosure provides a system for femtosecond laser ophthalmic surgery that includes a suction cone, with an upper frusto-conical portion and lower spherical portion, and a suction ring. This disclosure further provides a method for docking a femtosecond laser that includes positioning a suction ring on an eye, lowering a suction cone toward the eye until it engages the mechanical stop of the suction ring, and applying suction to seal the suction cone to the suction ring by a contact and sealing surface.