Intraocular Lens Interface Bracket for Secure Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intraocular lens (IOL) surgery systems face challenges in securely handling and positioning the small IOL interface, which can be difficult to grasp manually, especially during surgical procedures, and often require separate assembly devices, leading to potential loss and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

An IOL insertion system comprising an IOL insertion cartridge with a detachable bracket that secures the IOL interface via friction, featuring protuberances and a detent mechanism to stabilize and prevent accidental advancement, allowing for easier handling and engagement with surgical tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the IOL interface is made small for precise positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but ease of manual handling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmanual handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into distinct components: a small IOL interface for precise positioning and a larger IOL insertion cartridge for easy handling. The interface can be separately loaded into the cartridge, allowing each component to optimize its size for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The IOL insertion cartridge acts as an intermediary between the small IOL interface and the surgeon's hand. The cartridge provides a larger grip surface while maintaining precise control over the small interface through its structured design with wings and engagement features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the IOL interface is made small, then positioning precision is improved, but risk of loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidrisk of loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The small IOL interface is nested within the larger IOL insertion cartridge. The interface fits into a receptacle or cavity within the cartridge body, ensuring it remains contained and secured during storage, preparation, and insertion procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The IOL interface and IOL insertion cartridge are combined into a single integrated assembly. The interface is securely attached to the cartridge through friction fit, mechanical interlocking, or adhesive bonding, ensuring they move together as one unit and eliminating the risk of the small interface being lost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a detachable bracket is added to secure the IOL interface, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed as a detachable component that can be removed after the IOL interface is secured to the cartridge. This allows the bracket to provide temporary stability during assembly and insertion, then be discarded or reused, avoiding permanent complexity in the final system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket transitions from a static securing mechanism to a dynamic, detachable component. It is engaged during assembly to provide stability, then detached after the IOL interface is securely attached to the cartridge, allowing the system to evolve from a complex assembly state to a simpler final state.

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 system ensures stable positioning and secure handling of the IOL interface, reducing the risk of loss and simplifying the surgical process by integrating the interface with the larger cartridge, facilitating intuitive engagement with insertion tools and eliminating the need for additional assembly devices.

Implementation Method 1

The cavity is sized to hold the IOL interface in place by friction between the IOL interface and the bracket and the IOL insertion cartridge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the detent may be used for storing energy in the IOL interface to aid in removing it from the system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Accumulator (energy)

Data Source

PatentEP2717812B1Intraocular lens surgical system
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 ALCON INC
  • EP2717812B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2717812B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2717812B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for intraocular lens surgery. In particular implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include an intraocular lens insertion cartridge and an intraocular lens interface adapted to engage an intraocular lens for advancement through the intraocular lens insertion cartridge. The system may also include a bracket that is detachably attached to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge and that facilitates securing the intraocular lens interface relative to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge.