Free-Floating Patient Interface for Eye Motion Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser eye surgery systems face challenges in accommodating patient movement while maintaining alignment between the scanned electromagnetic treatment beam and the patient, leading to increased system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface assembly is designed to accommodate relative movement of the patient by using a system of support assemblies and reflectors that allow the scanner to move in conjunction with the patient, maintaining alignment of the electromagnetic radiation beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid support of optical path components and dedicated patient support assembly are used, then alignment stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the optical path support movable rather than fixed. The optical path is supported on a movable cart that can be repositioned adjacent to different patient support assemblies, allowing the system to adapt to patient movement while maintaining beam alignment without requiring complex rigid restraint mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing a movable cart that can serve multiple functions: supporting the optical path, accommodating different patient support assemblies (beds, chairs), and maintaining alignment stability. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for dedicated rigid support structures for each function
2Reliability
If contact lens restraint is used to inhibit eye movement, then alignment stability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Mechanics substitution principle by replacing the mechanical contact lens restraint system with an optical tracking system. The system uses optical means to track eye movement and dynamically adjusts the beam direction accordingly, eliminating the need for physical contact with the patient's eye and the associated discomfort
3Reliability
If dedicated patient support assembly with restraint features is used, then alignment stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Intermediary principle by introducing a movable cart as an intermediary between the optical path and the patient support assembly. This cart acts as a flexible mediator that can accommodate various patient support configurations without requiring complex integrated restraint features in each support assembly, thereby reducing overall system cost and complexity
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 allows for easier use of laser surgery systems by reducing the need for complex patient restraints, thereby decreasing system complexity and cost while ensuring accurate beam alignment during patient movement.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam so as to propagate parallel to the first direction and to the scanner; a second reflector configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam so as to propagate parallel to the second direction and to be incident on the first reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface includes an eye interface device, a scanner, a first support assembly, and a beam source. The eye interface device is configured to interface with an eye of a patient. The scanner is configured to be coupled with the eye interface device and operable to scan an electromagnetic radiation beam in at least two dimensions in an eye interfaced with the eye interface device. The scanner and the eye interface device move in conjunction with movement of the eye. The first support assembly supports the scanner so as to accommodate relative movement between the scanner and the first support assembly parallel so as to accommodate movement of the eye. The beam source generates the electromagnetic radiation beam. The electromagnetic radiation beam propagates from the beam source to the scanner along an optical path having an optical path length that varies in response to movement of the eye.