Automatic Implant Delivery Shuttle for Consistent Intraocular Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implant delivery devices for intraocular injections suffer from inconsistent implant delivery speeds due to manual user input, leading to potential inadvertent impact on non-targeted tissues in the eye.

Innovation Solution

An auto delivery device that decouples implant delivery speed from user input, using a pre-tensioned shuttle assembly and dampener mechanism to ensure consistent and safe implant insertion into the eye, with visual and tactile feedback for completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation of the delivery device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but implant delivery speed consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidimplant delivery speed consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery device uses a pre-tensioned shuttle assembly that automatically pushes the implant through the cannula without requiring continuous manual manipulation. The shuttle assembly self-regulates the implant delivery speed based on its pre-tensioned state, eliminating variability caused by user input while maintaining ease of operation through a simple trigger activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The shuttle assembly is pre-tensioned before implant delivery, storing mechanical energy that is then released at a controlled rate during implant insertion. This preliminary action ensures consistent implant delivery speed independent of user manipulation force, as the pre-stored energy drives the implant through the cannula at a predetermined pace.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If higher implant delivery speed is used, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential impact on non-target tissues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplant delivery speedVSAvoidrisk of non-target tissue impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery device incorporates visual and tactile feedback mechanisms that indicate when the implant has been successfully delivered. The shuttle assembly's movement is coupled with visual indicators (such as a window or marker) and tactile sensations that inform the user of delivery completion, allowing the system to automatically regulate speed to prevent tissue damage while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The dampener mechanism acts as a cushioning element that controls and softens the implant delivery process. It prevents excessive force from being applied to non-target tissues by gradually releasing the pre-tensioned energy, thereby cushioning against the harmful effects of high-speed delivery while still maintaining productive implant insertion speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250248843A1Implant delivery device

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 ALCON INC

AI summary

Implant delivery devices, methods of device assembly and methods of using those devices are presented where the delivery device uses an automatic implant delivery mechanism that eliminates variability in pusher wire speeds by providing a needle assembly having one or more implants positioned within a proximal end of a needle cannula, a dampener assembly and a shuttle assembly located within a housing along with the activation member which holds the shuttle assembly in cocked or pre-tensioned state. A lock can be engaged with the activation member to prevent premature firing or triggering of the device.