Irrigation Container Mounting for Neck-Up Pressure Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressurized irrigation systems for cataract surgery face limitations in controlling intraocular infusion pressure, including slow pressure response rates and air entrapment issues due to the 'neck-down' orientation of irrigation containers, which complicates surgical setups and affects system performance.
Innovation Solution
A mounting arrangement that orients the irrigation container in a 'neck-up' position using a base member and a mounting arm mechanism, allowing for effective evacuation of air and preventing pinching during fluid delivery, with a stopper and actuation device to manage the container's position and fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the irrigation container is mounted in a neck-down position, then the container can be suspended on a pole, but air becomes trapped at the top of the container which slows hydraulic response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting orientation by positioning the irrigation container in a neck-up configuration rather than the traditional neck-down position. This inversion allows air to naturally escape from the container during fluid delivery, eliminating air entrapment and improving hydraulic response rate without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
2Productivity
If compression is used to deliver irrigation fluid, then fluid flow is improved, but the bag volume and geometry change causing the neck to become trapped or pinched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral displacement mechanism that moves the compression element in a direction perpendicular to the neck axis, compressing the bag from the sides rather than from the top. This dimensional change in compression approach maintains neck alignment and prevents pinching while still achieving effective fluid delivery through lateral compression forces.
3Speed
If pressurized gas sources are used to control irrigation pressure, then pressure response rate is improved, but venting snorkel devices and filtering systems are required which add complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex venting snorkel devices and filtering systems by using a sealed compression mechanism that directly controls fluid pressure through mechanical compression of the irrigation bag. The compression-based pressure control achieves rapid response rates without requiring separate gas pressurization systems, venting mechanisms, or air filtration components.
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
This configuration enhances the operational efficiency of the irrigation system by improving pressure response rates and reducing air entrapment, ensuring consistent and reliable fluid delivery during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
Gravity feed irrigations methods provide a pressure and flow based on the height of the supply source above the eye, the higher the supply source above the eye, the greater the pressure and flow
Implementation Method 2
Other pressurized irrigation systems have used compression, combined with gravity, to deliver irrigation fluid to the surgical site. In such systems, a compliant irrigation bag is squeezed, thereby pushing the irrigation fluid into the system
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation mounting arrangement for an irrigation container that is defined by a body portion, a neck member, and a stopper, is disclosed. The irrigation mounting arrangement comprises an upwardly extending base member and a mounting arm mechanism that extends away from the base member. The mounting arm mechanism includes at least one mounting aperture configured to selectively receive a portion of the irrigation container such that the neck member of the irrigation container is oriented above the body portion.