Intraocular Lens Injector with Dynamic Spring Arm Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injectors for implanting intraocular lenses into the human eye require complex mode switching between push and screw actuation, often necessitating assistance to set the operating mode, which complicates single-handed operation by ophthalmologists.
Innovation Solution
An injector design featuring spring arms with a thread engagement structure that can be selectively engaged or disengaged with an external thread, allowing for easy switching between push and screw actuation by rotating or displacing the actuating element, enabling adjustable operating modes without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mode switching mechanism is used to enable both push and screw actuation, then the injector can accommodate different operating modes, but the device complexity increases and requires assistance to set the operating mode
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arm is designed to be dynamically changeable between two states: engaged with the external thread for screw actuation, and disengaged for push actuation. This dynamic configuration allows the injector to switch between operating modes without complex mechanical switching mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arm automatically engages or disengages from the external thread based on the actuation method used. When push actuation is applied, the spring arm naturally disengages; when screw actuation is applied, it naturally engages. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex mode switching controls and assistant intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mode switching mechanism is used to enable both push and screw actuation, then the injector can accommodate different operating modes, but the ease of operation decreases due to requiring assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arm automatically responds to the type of actuation applied, engaging with the external thread during screw actuation and disengaging during push actuation. This self-service behavior enables the ophthalmologist to switch modes independently without requiring assistant intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic nature of the spring arm allows it to adapt its state based on the actuation method in real-time, enabling seamless switching between push and screw modes during the procedure. This dynamic adaptability enhances single-handed operation capability while preserving mode versatility
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
Facilitates simple and immediate switching between push and screw actuation, allowing ophthalmologists to choose the mode just before use, enhancing ease of use and operational flexibility during intraocular lens implantation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inner surface on the actuating element involved in the operative contact and/or an outer surface on the spring arm is inclined at an angle to the actuating axis, so that the rotation or displacement of the actuating element can produce an elastic deformation of the spring arm towards the actuating axis and away from the actuating axis
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an injector (1) for implanting an intraocular lens, which injector has a main body (10), into the rear end of which an elongate actuation element (11) partially protrudes and is movably guided along an actuation axis (12), wherein the actuation element (11) can be moved into the main body (10) by means of a pushing action (R) along the actuation axis (12) or by means of a screwing action (S) about the actuation axis (12) as required, and wherein an external thread (13) is provided on at least a portion of the actuation element (11). According to the invention, at least one spring arm (14) which has a threaded engagement structure (15) on an inner surface facing the external thread (13) is provided on the main body (10). An adjustment element (16) which interacts with the spring arm (14) can be rotated about the actuation axis (12) or slid along the actuation axis (12) on the main body (10). The adjustment element (16) interacts with the spring arm (14) via operative contact, with at least one inner surface (17) on the adjustment element (16) which is involved in the operative contact and/or an outer surface (18) on the spring arm (14) being inclined at an angle (a) with respect to the actuation axis (12), so that rotating or sliding the adjustment element (16) can bring about a resilient deformation of the spring arm (14) towards the actuation axis (12) and away from the actuation axis (12), and so that the threaded engagement structure (15) can be engaged with or disengaged from the external thread (13) as required.