IOL Injector Spring Drive for Controlled Lens Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IOL injectors often eject the intraocular lens (IOL) with high velocity and in a less controllable manner due to pressure and force variations during injection, increasing the risk of sudden ejection and reducing user control, especially considering the sensitivity of ocular tissues.
Innovation Solution
The IOL injector incorporates a mechanism with springs to provide controlled axial advancement of the plunger, including torsion springs for automatic driving and assistive springs for manual assistance, along with braking and hydraulic damping mechanisms to ensure consistent and predictable delivery of the IOL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to advance the plunger, then user control is improved, but force consistency and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger advancement mechanism uses a spring-loaded system that automatically provides the driving force for plunger advancement. The spring is compressed during IOL loading and automatically expands to push the plunger forward, eliminating the need for manual force application while ensuring consistent and repeatable force delivery throughout the injection process.
2Productivity
If high velocity ejection is used for IOL delivery, then productivity is improved, but control and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, high-velocity ejection mechanism to a dynamic, controlled delivery system. The spring provides gradual, progressive force as it expands, allowing the IOL to be delivered at a controlled pace. The nozzle design and spring force characteristics are optimized to maintain adequate delivery speed while preventing sudden, uncontrolled ejection that could compromise safety.
3Extent of automation
If pressure variations occur during injection, then automatic advancement is improved, but sudden ejection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-compressed during IOL loading, storing elastic energy that is gradually released during plunger advancement. This beforehand energy storage provides a cushioning effect that smooths out pressure variations during injection. The spring's elastic properties naturally dampen pressure spikes and prevent sudden force releases, thereby reducing the risk of abrupt IOL ejection while maintaining automatic advancement.
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 injector ensures appropriate and repeatable force application, providing intuitive operation and control over the IOL delivery process, reducing the risk of sudden ejection and enhancing user experience across various skill levels.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring having stored rotational energy, the torsion spring concentrically disposed around the cylinder, wherein at least one end of the torsion spring is coupled to the cylinder such that in response to a release of the stored rotational energy, the cylinder is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
one or more assistive springs having stored elastic energy, wherein the assistive springs are directly or indirectly coupled at a first end of the spring to the plunger and at a second end of the spring to the injector body, such that movement of the plunger toward the distal end of the injector body is assisted by release of elastic energy from the spring
Implementation Method 3
one or more resistive springs directly or indirectly coupled at a first end of the spring to the plunger and at a second end of the spring to the injector body, such that elastic energy is stored in the resistive springs in response to axial movement of the plunger toward the distal end of the injector body
Data Source
AI summary
An IOL injector having an automatic plunger advancement driver is described. In addition, an IOL injector having a spring-assisted driving mechanism and a spring damping mechanism is described.