Collapsible IOL Injector With Lever-Driven Plunger Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IOL injectors face challenges in delivering intraocular lenses with high precision and control, often requiring high peak forces and pressure changes that can compromise user comfort and control, and manual installation can lead to errors and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
The IOL injector incorporates a collapsible mechanism with a lever-driven rack and pinion system, allowing for ergonomic design and precise control of IOL delivery, featuring a telescoping cylinder and a lever-driven rack and pinion system to actuate the plunger, reducing the length of the injector and improving user comfort and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual installation and folding of IOL is performed, then the procedure can be completed with simple equipment, but user control is compromised and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a folding device as an intermediary component between the IOL and the injector. This folding device includes a folding chamber and folding wall that guide and control the folding of the IOL haptics, ensuring proper configuration without requiring manual manipulation. The intermediary device maintains sterility and provides consistent control throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The IOL is designed to fold automatically under its own elastic recovery when confined within the folding device. The haptics self-fold as they are compressed into the folding chamber, eliminating the need for manual folding operations by the surgeon while ensuring consistent and reliable folding configuration.
2Productivity
If high peak forces are applied during IOL delivery, then the IOL can be delivered quickly, but user control is compromised and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The injection mechanism uses a rack and pinion system that converts rotational motion into linear motion in a controlled, periodic manner. The pinion gear engages with the rack to advance the plunger incrementally, providing controlled delivery of the IOL without sudden high peak forces, while maintaining steady progress through the delivery process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct manual pushing mechanics with a gear-based mechanical advantage system. The pinion and rack mechanism provides mechanical advantage, allowing the user to apply controlled force over a longer duration rather than high peak forces, thereby maintaining control while achieving reliable delivery.
3Ease of operation
If a collapsible mechanism is added to reduce injector length, then ergonomics improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injector body incorporates a collapsible section that allows the device to change its length dynamically. The collapsible section includes movable walls that can be compressed to reduce the overall length of the injector, improving ergonomics and handling while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible mechanism uses nested structural elements where inner components can be compressed into outer components. The injector body walls are designed to telescope or collapse inward, allowing the device to compact to a smaller size for easier handling while expanding to full length during the injection process.
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 collapsible mechanism and lever-driven rack and pinion system enhance user control and comfort during IOL delivery, reducing the risk of errors and contamination by providing a more intuitive and controlled delivery process.
Implementation Method 1
a lever-driven rack and pinion system adapted to actuate an axial movement of the plunger in response to a lever press
Implementation Method 2
a lever-driven rack and pinion system adapted to actuate an axial movement of the plunger in response to a lever press
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
An IOL injector having a collapsible mechanism and/or a lever-driven rack and pinion is described.