Intraocular Implant Delivery Pen With Rotatable Needle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular implant delivery systems are inefficient for large-scale manufacturing due to complex assembly processes, potential implant loss during handling, and lack of rapid visualization and quality assurance, making them costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A novel apparatus with a rotatable needle, implant holder, and spring-driven ejection mechanism ensures secure retention and controlled delivery of a solid implant into the anterior chamber, featuring implant inspection windows and a self-sealing needle design for minimal trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional intraocular implant delivery systems are used, then implant delivery function is achieved, but assembly process becomes complex and manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the implant holder and needle into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit. The holder is positioned within the needle hub, and both components move together during delivery, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining implant delivery functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is pre-loaded into the holder during manufacturing, and the holder-needle assembly is pre-assembled as a sterile unit. This preliminary preparation eliminates complex assembly steps during the surgical procedure, allowing for rapid deployment while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used in implant delivery system, then assembly flexibility is improved, but implant loss during handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant holder is integrated with the needle assembly, forming a single unified structure. This integration ensures the implant remains securely positioned throughout the entire delivery process, eliminating the risk of loss that would occur with separate components, while the modular nature of the holder-needle unit maintains assembly flexibility.
3Productivity
If traditional assembly processes are used, then manufacturing steps are well-defined, but quality assurance and inspection become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is pre-loaded into the holder during the manufacturing process, and the entire holder-needle assembly is sterilized as a complete unit. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid quality inspection and reduces the time required for final assembly and verification, improving both manufacturing speed and quality assurance efficiency.
4Productivity
If complex handling procedures are used, then assembly precision is maintained, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the implant holder with the needle assembly, the patent creates a single handling unit that simplifies all subsequent operations. The merged structure eliminates the need for complex manipulation of separate components, making assembly easier and faster while maintaining the precision required for successful implant delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for introducing a solid or semi-solid intraocular drug-containing implant into the anterior chamber of an eye are described. The drug-containing implant can be a rod-shaped biodegradable implant that may provide for the extended release of the drug and may be effective for treating a medical condition of the eye. The apparatus is ergonomically designed in the shape or style of a pen with tactile surfaces for easy gripping, a needle-rotation knob to permit orientation of the needle bevel in relation to the eye, and a spring-actuated mechanism for consistent deployment of the implant.