Intraocular Lens Transfer Case With Folding Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lens (IOL) transfer methods often result in damage during the transfer from a lens case to an injector cartridge due to the use of forceps, and existing solutions either require complex mechanical mechanisms or are limited to disposable systems that are not compatible with reusable handpieces.
Innovation Solution
A transfer case with a lens holder and folding members that fold the IOL into a partially folded position, allowing it to be slid into an injection cartridge using a plunger, which is compatible with reusable handpieces and reduces the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If forceps are used to transfer the IOL from the lens case to the injector cartridge, then the transfer can be performed with simple tools, but the IOL may be damaged (optic scratched or haptics torn)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary transfer mechanism consisting of a transfer case with a bore and plunger system. This intermediary device facilitates the transfer of the IOL from the lens case to the injector cartridge without requiring direct manipulation with forceps, thereby preventing damage to the optic and haptics while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer case is designed with a self-contained mechanism where the plunger automatically guides and pushes the IOL through the bore into the cartridge. The system serves itself by using the plunger's movement to both position and deliver the IOL, eliminating the need for external forceps and reducing the risk of damage.
2Productivity
If a preloaded injector system is used, then there is no separate loading step and the system is integrated, but the system is entirely disposable and not compatible with reusable handpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into two separate components: a reusable handpiece and a disposable transfer case with preloaded IOL. This segmentation allows the handpiece to be reused while the transfer case is discarded after a single use, maintaining compatibility with reusable handpieces while providing the efficiency of preloaded systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer case is designed as a disposable component that is loaded with the IOL and then discarded after use. This approach eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization of the transfer mechanism while maintaining compatibility with reusable handpieces, as only the disposable transfer case needs to be replaced.
3Reliability
If a preloaded lens transfer case with a mechanism is used to transfer the IOL, then the lens can be kept in the correct loading position, but the mechanism is relatively complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex mechanical transfer mechanism from the overall system and replaces it with a simple plunger-and-bore design. The transfer case includes a bore that guides the IOL and a plunger that pushes it through, eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms while maintaining reliability in keeping the IOL in the correct loading position.
Data Source
AI summary
An intraocular lens (IOL) transfer case for transferring an IOL to an injection cartridge includes a lens holder for holding the IOL. The lens holder includes a bore. Folding members within the lens holder are configured to fold the IOL into a partially folded position when the IOL is slid through the bore across the folding members. The IOL transfer case also includes an interface configured to removably connect to an injection cartridge. The interface is positioned to deliver the IOL in the partially folded position within the injection cartridge when the interface is connected to the injection cartridge. The IOL transfer case also includes a plunger connected to the lens holder and configured to push the IOL in the partially folded position through the bore to deliver the IOL into the injection cartridge.