Spring-Powered Hydraulic IOL Inserter for Controlled Lens Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lens (IOL) inserters often result in erratic or overshooting of IOLs during insertion due to lack of controlled delivery mechanisms, and they are not adaptable to commercially available folding and delivery chambers, nor are they economical for single-use disposable applications.
Innovation Solution
A spring-powered, hydraulically-operated IOL inserter that uses a piston to deliver ophthalmic viscoelastic fluid for lubrication and controlled IOL insertion, compatible with various pre-loaded IOL delivery systems, including the AcrySert C and Unfolder Platinum Series Cartridges, ensuring constant speed and minimizing irregular movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a manual IOL inserter is used, then the IOL can be inserted into the eye, but the insertion speed is irregular and may overshoot the target position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic mechanism where a plunger pushes fluid through a needle into the IOL delivery chamber. This hydraulic action provides smooth, controlled, and continuous movement of the IOL at constant speed, eliminating irregular motion and overshooting while maintaining ease of single-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plunger automatically returns to its initial position after delivering the IOL, and the system is designed to be self-contained with pre-filled chambers. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent performance without requiring additional adjustments or complex control systems during operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a custom IOL inserter is designed, then controlled IOL delivery is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different IOL types and delivery chambers. The standardized components and modular design allow for economical manufacturing through volume production while maintaining precise control capabilities across multiple IOL models and manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes a single-use disposable inserter design where the entire device is discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex, reusable devices with multiple components, while still providing controlled IOL delivery. The simple hydraulic mechanism and pre-filled chambers make the disposable version cost-effective to manufacture.
3Reliability
If a single-use IOL inserter is used, then contamination risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified device: the spring-loaded plunger, hydraulic fluid reservoir, needle, and IOL delivery chamber are all combined in one pre-assembled unit. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure compared to reusable systems with separate parts, while ensuring the device is sterile and contamination-free as a single-use item.
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
The solution enables smooth, controlled insertion of IOLs into the eye with reduced irregular movement and adaptability to different IOL systems, while being economical for single-use disposable applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded piston that pushes an ophthalmic viscoelastic (OVD) fluid to achieve both restrained, constant IOL speed and lubrication
Implementation Method 2
Spring-powered, hydraulically-operate intraocular lens inserter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An intraocular lens inserter for use during cataract surgery for delivering an intraocular lens (IOL) loaded into an IOL cartridge into a patient's eye. The inserter comprises an outer shell housing containing a hydraulic housing. A hydraulic piston positioned within the hydraulic housing defines an annular hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic chamber is filled with a fluid via a fill port. A high pressure compression spring constantly urges the piston forwardly to pressurize the fluid in the hydraulic chamber. During use, a valve element operatively connected to a depressible operation button, controls bleeding of fluid from the hydraulic chamber, whereupon the forward tip of the piston is moved forwardly to mechanically deliver the intraocular lens from the IOL cartridge into the patient's eye.