Flexible Haptic Retaining Member for Intraocular Lens Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intraocular lens fixing devices face difficulties in easily inserting the intraocular lens into the eyeball due to the size of the retaining members.

Innovation Solution

The development of an intraocular lens fixing device with a plurality of haptic retaining members, each bag-shaped and made of flexible material, which can pass through a needle hole in the sclera, allowing for easy insertion and secure fixation of the intraocular lens within the eyeball.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional intraocular lens fixing devices are used, then the intraocular lens can be fixed in the eyeball, but the retaining members are relatively large making insertion difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidsize of retaining member

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The haptic retaining member is designed to be inserted through a needle hole in the sclera, with the bag-shaped member collapsing during insertion and then expanding once positioned. This nesting approach allows a relatively large retaining member to pass through a small opening by temporarily reducing its volume during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The haptic retaining member is constructed as a bag-shaped flexible structure that can be collapsed for insertion through a narrow needle hole and then expanded to its functional size once positioned. The flexibility of the bag-shaped design enables it to deform during insertion and then maintain its shape for securing the haptic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If the haptic retaining member is made flexible to pass through needle hole, then insertion becomes easy, but the member must be sufficiently strong to secure the haptic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidstrength of retaining member

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The haptic retaining member exhibits dynamic mechanical properties, being flexible and collapsible during insertion to pass through the needle hole, then expanding and becoming rigid enough to securely hold the haptic. The member transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded functional state for retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bag-shaped haptic retaining member is made of flexible material that can be deformed during insertion and then maintains its shape for securing the haptic, balancing flexibility for insertion with structural integrity for retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the haptic retaining member is made of flexible material, then it can pass through the needle hole, but the material must resist tissue inflammation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidtissue inflammation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The material properties of the haptic retaining member are selected to balance flexibility for insertion with biocompatibility to minimize tissue inflammation. The flexible material is chosen specifically for its ability to pass through the needle hole while also having properties that reduce adverse tissue reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables easy and secure insertion of the intraocular lens into the eyeball without the need for large incisions, allowing for flexible positioning and reduced risk of tissue inflammation, applicable to various types of intraocular lenses, including single-piece multifocal IOLs.

Implementation Method 1

the haptic retaining member is made of such a flexible material that the haptic retaining member may contract as much as it passes through a needle hole in a sclera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11850145B2Intraocular lens fixing device

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 KATAOKA TAKUYA

AI summary

An intraocular lens fixing device for fixing in an eyeball an intraocular lens having a plurality of haptics is provided, the intraocular lens fixing device comprising: a linear member stretched in the eyeball; and a plurality of haptic retaining members, each being provided to correspond to and retain each of the plurality of haptics and supported in the space of the eyeball by the linear member, wherein the linear member is secured to each of the plurality of haptic retaining members and the haptic retaining member are made of a flexible material.