IOL Compression Channel With Towing Mechanism for Sterile Lens Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IOL injectors face challenges in efficiently delivering intraocular lenses (IOLs) without causing bunching or contamination during the surgical implantation process, particularly when handling multi-piece IOLs that require separate insertion and assembly.

Innovation Solution

An IOL compression device with a slidable button or beam mechanism that axially pulls the IOL base through a tapered channel, allowing for controlled compression and delivery, minimizing bunching and ensuring sterility by reducing manual handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling of IOL is used during surgical implantation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of contamination and bunching increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary delivery system consisting of a tapered channel and towing mechanism that mediates between the surgeon's manual control and the IOL. The IOL is attached to a towing post that pulls it through the tapered channel, eliminating direct manual contact with the lens while maintaining surgical control. This intermediary system prevents contamination and bunching by providing a controlled, sterile pathway for IOL delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If traditional IOL injection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the precision of IOL delivery and compression control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddelivery precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is segmented into distinct functional components: a storage chamber for the IOL, a tapered compression channel for controlled deformation, and a towing mechanism for precise positioning. The IOL itself is segmented into components that can be separately manipulated. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system controllability and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The IOL is pre-loaded into the storage chamber in an uncompressed state before the surgical procedure begins. The tapered channel is pre-positioned and ready to receive the IOL. This preliminary preparation ensures that the IOL is in the correct initial state for compression and delivery, improving precision by eliminating last-minute manipulation and ensuring consistent starting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the IOL is compressed during delivery, then the ease of insertion through small incisions is improved, but the risk of deformation and bunching increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidIOL configuration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The compression channel has a dynamic tapered geometry that gradually decreases in diameter from the proximal to distal end. This dynamic structure provides progressive compression rather than abrupt deformation, allowing the IOL to adapt smoothly to the narrowing passage. The towing mechanism dynamically adjusts the pulling force to maintain controlled compression throughout the delivery process, preventing sudden bunching or deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient, controlled delivery of IOLs, reducing the risk of bunching and contamination, thereby enhancing the precision and safety of the surgical procedure.

Implementation Method 1

the IOL compression device has an IOL base towing post with a first end coupled to the button and a second end adapted to contact a distal inner edge of an IOL base when the IOL base is in the compression channel. In response to an axial movement of the button toward the distal end of the housing, the IOL base towing post is adapted to axially pull the IOL base through the tapered IOL compression channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAxial force: Force