Surgical Fixation Tool Coupling for Single-Handed Ophthalmic Injection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical fixation tools for ophthalmic procedures require a third hand to operate the injector's substance syringe, making it difficult to maintain stability and deliver substances effectively, especially under limited visibility conditions like microscopy.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with a fixation-tool force transfer device that allows a single user to grasp both the fixation tool and injector, enabling the transfer of force to the injector's plunger through a syringe mechanism, which can be hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, or electrical, and includes tactile markers for precise delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate third hand is used to operate the injector's substance syringe, then the injection function can be performed, but it becomes difficult to maintain stability and deliver substances effectively under limited visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixation tool and injector into a single integrated assembly where the substance syringe is mounted on the fixation tool handle. This merging allows the operator to control both the fixation tool and injector with one hand, eliminating the need for a third hand while maintaining operational stability and precision through unified control mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate mechanical coupling system between the fixation tool and substance syringe, including a plunger driver mechanism that translates fixation tool actuation into precise plunger movement. This intermediary mechanism ensures stable and accurate substance delivery by mediating the force and motion transmission while maintaining control under limited visibility conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fixation tool and injector are operated separately by different hands, then each function can be performed independently, but coordination becomes difficult and stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixation tool and injector into a coordinated unified system where both functions are integrated into a single handle assembly. This allows the operator to perform both fixation and injection functions simultaneously with one hand, improving coordination while maintaining functional versatility through dedicated components for each function.
3Measurement precision
If tactile markers are added to the syringe mechanism, then precise delivery can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses tactile markers (protrusions or indentations) on the plunger driver or syringe barrel that provide tactile feedback to the operator. These markers indicate precise delivery points or depth milestones, enabling accurate substance delivery through touch feedback without requiring complex electronic sensors or measurement systems, thus maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit includes an injector (1) including a substance syringe, which includes a plunger (3) that slides in a lumen of a barrel (4) which is coupled to a lumen of a needle (5), a fixation tool (10), and a coupling assembly (60) that includes a fixation-tool force transfer device (62) coupled to the fixation tool (10). The fixation-tool force transfer device (62) is coupled to the plunger (4) of the injector (1) such that actuation of the fixation-tool force transfer device (61) moves the plunger (4) of the injector (!).