Free-Floating Patient Interface for Laser Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser eye surgery systems face challenges in accommodating patient movement while maintaining alignment of the electromagnetic treatment beam, leading to increased complexity and cost due to rigid support structures that can still allow significant relative movement between the patient and the system.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface assembly with a free-floating mechanism that includes a scanner and support assemblies to accommodate three-dimensional relative translation, allowing the scanner to move in conjunction with the patient while maintaining beam alignment, using reflectors and counter-balance mechanisms to inhibit gravity-induced movement and ensure precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid support structures are used to prevent patient movement, then beam alignment is maintained, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixed support structures with a dynamic free-floating mechanism that includes linear bearings and springs. This mechanism allows the scanner and patient interface to move freely in three dimensions while maintaining beam alignment through passive mechanical accommodation of patient movement, eliminating the need for complex rigid restraint systems.
2Reliability
If rigid support structures are used to prevent patient movement, then beam alignment is maintained, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The free-floating mechanism uses simple, passive mechanical components (linear bearings, springs) that are easier and less expensive to manufacture than complex rigid restraint systems with multiple actuators and sensors. The dynamic approach allows patient movement accommodation without requiring expensive active control systems.
3Reliability
If contact lens is used to restrain eye movement, then beam alignment is maintained, but patient discomfort and anxiety increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for contact lens restraint by using a dynamic free-floating mechanism that passively accommodates eye and patient movement. The scanner and patient interface move together freely in three dimensions, maintaining beam alignment without physical contact or restraint on the patient, thereby eliminating discomfort and anxiety associated with contact lens restraint.
4Reliability
If dedicated support assembly with restraint features is used, then patient movement is inhibited, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dedicated support assemblies with restraint features with a free-floating mechanism that uses linear bearings and springs to allow free movement in three dimensions. The scanner, patient interface, and support structure move passively together, accommodating patient movement without requiring complex restraint mechanisms or dedicated positioning assemblies.
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
This solution enables easier use of laser surgery systems by allowing patient movement without compromising beam alignment, reducing system complexity and cost, and ensuring accurate treatment by inhibiting relative movement during positioning.
Implementation Method 1
counter-balance mechanisms to inhibit gravity-induced movement
Implementation Method 2
using reflectors and counter-balance mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods here may be used to support a laser eye surgery device, including a base assembly mounted to an optical scanning assembly via, a horizontal x axis bearing, a horizontal y axis bearing, and a vertical z axis bearing, mounted on the base assembly, configured to limit movement of the optical scanning assembly in an x axis, y axis and z axis respectively, relative to the base assembly, a vertical z axis spring, configured to counteract the forces of gravity on the optical scanning assembly in the z axis, and, mirrors mounted on the base assembly and positioned to reflect an energy beam into the optical scanning assembly no matter where the optical scanning assembly is located on the x axis bearing, the y axis bearing and the z axis bearing.