IOL Cartridge Loading With Vacuum Pickup and Haptic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading intraocular lenses (IOLs) into cartridges are prone to human error and inefficiency, whether manual or preloaded systems, which can lead to improper placement and potential damage during surgery.
Innovation Solution
An automated system utilizing vacuum and gripper technologies, including a lifting tool with a nozzle head and grippers, to seize and align IOLs within a cartridge, ensuring precise placement through airflow manipulation and alignment with cartridge features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual loading methods are used, then human flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but human error and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical loading operations with an automated robotic system that uses vacuum gripping and pneumatic positioning mechanisms. The robotic arm performs precise IOL placement into cartridges without human intervention, eliminating human error while maintaining high placement accuracy and increasing loading speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs vacuum technology and pneumatic systems to automatically grip and position the IOL. A vacuum source creates negative pressure to hold the IOL in place during transfer, while pneumatic actuators position the robotic arm components, enabling precise and repeatable placement without manual handling.
2Productivity
If preloaded systems are used, then surgical speed is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the IOL loading process into distinct modular steps: vacuum gripping of the IOL, robotic transport to the cartridge position, pneumatic positioning, and final placement. This segmentation allows each operation to be optimized independently and facilitates automation while keeping the overall system manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-contained vacuum and pneumatic mechanisms that automatically perform the loading function without external manual intervention. The vacuum system self-adjusts to grip the IOL, and the pneumatic actuators self-position components, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated systems are implemented, then manufacturing speed and precision are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed as a multi-functional platform that performs multiple operations: vacuum gripping, transport, positioning, and placement. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that provide real-time feedback on IOL position and cartridge alignment. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of the pneumatic actuators and robotic arm positioning, ensuring precise placement while simplifying the control requirements through closed-loop operation.
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 provides accurate, damage-free, and efficient automatic placement of IOLs into cartridges, reducing human error and enhancing manufacturing speed and quality.
Implementation Method 1
seizing, by a nozzle head of a lifting tool, the lens from a pick position of a platform based on an air flow through the nozzle head
Implementation Method 2
a load assembly system utilizes vacuum and gripper technologies to provide automatic placement of an IOL into a cartridge
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method for providing automatic placement of a lens (110) in a cartridge (116) is provided. The method includes seizing, by a nozzle head (108) of a lifting tool (105), the lens (110) from a pick position (113) of a platform (114) based on an air flow (109) through the nozzle head (108) and depositing, by the lifting tool (105), the lens (110) at a delivery point (115) in the cartridge (116) by changing the air flow (109) through the nozzle head (108). The method includes determining, by a processor coupled to the lifting tool (105), a location of a haptic (111) of the lens (110) with respect to a feature (117) of the cartridge (116). The method includes adjusting, by the lifting tool (105), the haptic (111) from the location to a target orientation on the cartridge (116) when the location of the haptic (111) is determined to be misaligned with the feature (117). The method can be implemented as an apparatus, a system, and/or a computer program product.