IOL Cartridge Packaging Lock With Dial-Guided Lens Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lens (IOL) delivery systems face challenges in efficiently storing, shipping, and attaching a drive mechanism handpiece to a manually actuated IOL cartridge, often leading to errors and inefficiencies in the IOL delivery process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an IOL cartridge with a dial that manually rotates to fold the IOL and unlock the cartridge from packaging, allowing attachment to various handpieces with a universal interface, including disposable and reusable mechanisms, ensuring streamlined unpackaging and simplified IOL delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IOL cartridge is pre-loaded and stored in packaging, then the IOL is protected and ready for use, but the unpackaging process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL is pre-loaded into the cartridge and the cartridge is pre-assembled with all components (plunger, nozzle, folding mechanism) before sterilization and packaging. This preliminary preparation ensures that the IOL is ready for immediate use while maintaining sterility, and the pre-assembled nature reduces potential errors during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system is divided into separate components (outer packaging, inner cartridge, plunger assembly) that can be independently sterilized, stored, and handled. This segmentation allows for simplified sterilization processes and reduces the risk of contamination while maintaining organizational structure.
2Productivity
If a separate bay is loaded into the insertion tool, then the IOL can be delivered, but the process requires multiple steps and increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge design merges the IOL storage chamber, folding mechanism, and plunger actuation system into a single integrated unit. The plunger is pre-positioned within the cartridge and directly engages the IOL, eliminating the need for separate loading steps and reducing the overall delivery time while maintaining operational efficiency.
3Volume of moving object
If the dial is rotated to fold the IOL, then the IOL can be compressed for insertion, but the mechanism adds complexity to the cartridge design
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism uses a rotatable dial that dynamically changes the configuration of the IOL from an extended state to a compressed folded state. This dynamic mechanism allows the IOL to be stored in a compact form during surgery while maintaining its full size in the cartridge, achieving volume reduction through mechanical transformation rather than permanent compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the surgeon during the procedure, allowing self-contained control of the folding action without requiring external automation or complex actuation systems. The mechanism is simple enough to be operated directly by hand while still achieving the necessary compression.
4Productivity
If the plunger is pre-positioned in the cartridge, then the IOL can be forced out efficiently, but the cartridge design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge design uses a standardized plunger and nozzle assembly that can be used with different IOL types and surgical procedures. The basic structure remains consistent across different applications, with only minor adjustments needed for specific IOL configurations, reducing overall system complexity through standardization while maintaining ejection efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for storing and/or shipping an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge are provided. A system comprises the IOL cartridge comprising a nozzle, a compartment comprising an IOL, and a dial disposed adjacent to the compartment. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment, and the dial is configured to fold the IOL upon rotation of the dial. The IOL cartridge further comprises a plunger case in fluid communication with the compartment, wherein a plunger is movably disposed within the plunger case. The system further comprises a packaging comprising a base, wherein the IOL cartridge is disposed within the base; a first removable cover configured to cover a first portion of the IOL cartridge; and a second removable cover configured to cover a second portion of the IOL cartridge, wherein the second removable cover is locked in place when the dial is in a non-rotated position.