Intraocular Lens Loading Device with Actuatable Splaying Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing procedures for loading and splaying haptics of intraocular lenses (IOLs) are cumbersome and risk damaging the IOL, as they involve manual manipulation with multiple tools and components.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for reconfiguring an intraocular lens haptic for delivery, involving a base member with an intraocular lens receiving region, an actuatable splaying member to splay the leading haptic, and a loading member to advance the IOL into a delivery lumen without manual manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual manipulation with multiple tools and components is used to load and splay haptics, then flexibility in handling different IOL configurations is improved, but the risk of IOL damage increases and the procedure becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling different IOL configurationsVSAvoidrisk of IOL damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (the loading device with splaying member) that mediates between the operator and the IOL haptics. This intermediary mechanism provides controlled, standardized interaction with the haptics, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining adaptability through the device's ability to handle different IOL configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The splaying member is designed to automatically splay the haptics as the IOL is loaded into the delivery device. The mechanism self-actuates through the loading motion itself, eliminating the need for separate manual splaying steps and reducing opportunities for operator-induced damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual manipulation with multiple tools is used, then complex haptic configurations can be achieved, but the procedure time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to achieve complex haptic configurationsVSAvoidprocedure time and efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (loading, splaying, and positioning of haptics) into a single integrated device and procedure. The splaying member is incorporated into the loading device, allowing simultaneous performance of loading and splaying operations, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining the ability to achieve complex haptic configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The splaying member is pre-positioned and pre-configured in the loading device. As the IOL is loaded, the splaying action occurs automatically as a preliminary step before delivery, eliminating the need for subsequent manual splaying adjustments and improving procedural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple individual tools and components are used, then precise control over haptic positioning is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of haptic positioningVSAvoidnumber of tools and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device with splaying member is designed as a universal tool that performs multiple functions: holding the IOL, splaying the haptics, and facilitating loading into the delivery device. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate tools needed while maintaining precise control over haptic positioning through the integrated splaying mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250152336A1Intraocular lens storage and loading devices and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 ALCON INC

AI summary

Intraocular lens loading devices and methods of use. In some embodiment the devices are used to sequentially splay first and second haptics while loading the intraocular lens into a delivery lumen.