Intraocular Lens Loading Instrument Selective Force Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intraocular lens loading and delivery devices often fail to protect the lens from damage during loading or delivery, particularly when the lens undergoes deformation or has delicate components.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a loading instrument that applies forces to specific, less flexible portions of the intraocular lens, such as the optic and peripheral portions, without applying force to more flexible areas, allowing for controlled deformation and loading into a delivery device using a plunger and tray system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If loading forces are applied to the intraocular lens during loading or delivery, then the lens can be loaded into the delivery device, but the lens may undergo deformation or damage to delicate portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading capabilityVSAvoidlens integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The loading instrument applies forces selectively to specific portions of the intraocular lens (optic portion and less flexible peripheral portions) while avoiding more flexible portions. This localized force application allows successful loading while protecting delicate areas from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The loading instrument has multiple distinct force application surfaces (first surface for optic portion, second surface for peripheral portion) that can independently apply forces to different segments of the lens, enabling controlled loading without damaging any single area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the lens is deformed during loading, then it can be loaded into the delivery device, but the connections between lens portions may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading capabilityVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The loading instrument applies forces to the optic portion and less flexible peripheral portions while deliberately avoiding flexible portions containing connections. This selective force application enables necessary deformation for loading while protecting connection points from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If loading forces are applied to flexible portions of the lens, then loading may be easier, but the flexible portions are more susceptible to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading capabilityVSAvoiddamage susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The loading instrument is designed with specific engagement surfaces that target only the optic portion and less flexible peripheral portions, deliberately excluding flexible portions from force application. This resolves the contradiction by applying forces only where the lens can withstand them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3928744A1Intraocular lens loading systems and methods of use

Publication Date: 2021.12.29 ALCON INC

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Figure 5A~5B

AI summary

1. A loading instrument adapted to advance an intraocular lens through a loading device, comprising: an elongate portion and a distal lens engaging portion extending distally from the elongate portion, the distal lens engaging portion comprising a first lens engaging surface adapted to engage an optic portion and a second lens engaging surface adapted to engage a peripheral portion of the intraocular lens.