Intraocular Lens Haptic Vacuum Transfer for Precise Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling of intraocular lenses (IOLs) is cumbersome and prone to errors, leading to potential damage and rejection due to improper positioning and bending of haptics during manufacturing, which affects the accuracy of inspections and efficiency of transfer processes.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and apparatus using a gripper with aspiration ports to grip and transfer IOLs by attaching to the haptics, ensuring precise orientation and positioning through vacuum and overpressure control, allowing for reliable and repeatable handling without direct contact with the optical lens body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling is used to transfer intraocular lenses, then the operator can carefully grip the lens, but the process is cumbersome and positioning repeatability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system that uses a specialized gripper. The gripper employs aspiration ports with vacuum suction to automatically grasp the IOL at the haptic-lens body interface, eliminating manual operation while achieving consistent, repeatable positioning through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary aspiration-based gripping mechanism that indirectly holds the IOL through the haptic structure. This intermediary approach allows automated handling without direct contact with the fragile optical lens body, maintaining reliability while enabling automation
2Productivity
If manual handling is used to transfer intraocular lenses, then the operator can adjust positioning, but the transfer process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual handling with an automated robotic system that can quickly and consistently grasp, transport, and place IOLs. The automated gripper system eliminates the time required for manual positioning adjustments while maintaining transfer accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the gripper with aspiration ports pre-positioned to align with the haptic structure, allowing immediate grasping without preliminary manual adjustment. The automated system performs all necessary positioning actions in a predetermined sequence, reducing total transfer time
3Reliability
If the gripper contacts the optical lens body, then gripping is easier, but scratches or damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the gripper to contact only the specific haptic region of the IOL, avoiding contact with the optical lens body. The aspiration ports are positioned to create vacuum suction exclusively at the haptic-lens body interface, providing secure gripping without risking damage to the optical surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic vacuum suction through aspiration ports to grip the IOL indirectly via the haptic structure. This pneumatic mechanism provides sufficient holding force without mechanical contact, protecting the optical lens body from scratches while maintaining a relatively simple gripper design
4Ease of operation
If haptics are flexed during manufacturing, then the IOL can be handled, but inspection may reject compliant lenses due to orientation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by using the automated gripper to consistently grasp the haptics in their correct orientation during transfer. The robotic system maintains proper haptic alignment throughout the manufacturing process, preventing orientation errors before inspection occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual handling that can inadvertently flex or misorient haptics with an automated robotic system. The automated gripper applies consistent, controlled forces through the aspiration mechanism, maintaining haptic orientation accuracy while preserving the flexibility needed for handling
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 automated system ensures high repeatability and reliability in transferring IOLs, preventing damage and ensuring accurate positioning, thereby reducing rejection rates and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
picking the intraocular lens up at the start location comprises gripping the intraocular lens only at the haptics of the intraocular lens
Implementation Method 2
releasing the intraocular lens at the destination location
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for the automated transfer of an intraocular lens (1) comprising an optical lens body (10) and two haptics (11) attached to a peripheral edge of the optical lens body (10) and extending outwardly from the peripheral edge of the optical lens body (10). The method comprises the steps of:picking the intraocular lens (1) up at a start location;moving the intraocular lens (1) to a destination location;releasing the intraocular lens (1) at the destination location,wherein picking the intraocular lens (1) up at the start location comprisesgripping the intraocular lens (1) only at the haptics (11) of the intraocular lens (1).