Intraocular Lens Injector With Switchable Rotary Piston Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular lens injectors are complex in design, require multiple grip changes during operation, and often include metal parts that complicate disposal and recycling, leading to potential positioning errors and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A disposable intraocular lens injector with a rotatable and axially displaceable piston, featuring a rotating element that engages with a thread only when needed, allowing for easy switching between manual and rotary advancement, and eliminating the need for metal parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with metal balls is used to engage the piston thread, then the piston can be securely locked in position, but the injector becomes complex in design and difficult to dispose of or recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the metal balls and complex locking mechanism from the injector design. Instead of using separate locking components, the patent integrates the locking function directly into the piston structure through a simple cam groove that engages with a cam on the cylinder bore, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable piston positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention discards metal parts entirely in favor of a disposable plastic injector system. The piston and cylinder are designed as single-use components that can be safely disposed of after one operation, eliminating the need for complex metal locking mechanisms and simplifying both design and disposal processes
2Ease of operation
If the user must reposition grip to hold the injector against the housing after actuating the ring, then the piston can be advanced by turning the handle, but positioning errors may occur and operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the grip-holding function and piston-advancement function into a single integrated handle structure. The T-shaped handle allows the user to simultaneously hold the injector steady and advance the piston by turning the same handle, eliminating the need to reposition grip and preventing positioning errors
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it provides a grip for holding the injector, acts as a lever for actuating the locking mechanism, and functions as a rotary element for advancing the piston. This multi-functional design simplifies operation while maintaining positioning accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If the thread of the piston is engaged only when desired via a cam guide with locking balls, then switching between rotary and manual advancement is possible, but the injector design becomes quite complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cam guide and locking balls from the design, replacing them with a simplified cam groove integrated into the piston. This groove naturally guides the cam on the cylinder bore, providing the same engagement and disengagement functionality without requiring separate locking components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention discards complex metal locking mechanisms in favor of a simple plastic cam groove and cam interaction. The disposable nature of the injector allows this simplified design to provide the same versatility without the complexity of reusable metal 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
The injector provides a simple, user-friendly design with easy operation and reduced risk of positioning errors, facilitating safe and efficient delivery of intraocular lenses with minimal parts and recyclable materials.
Implementation Method 1
the rotary element (30) and piston rod (21) form an interference fit... the rotary element can thus be turned against the friction of the interference fit
Implementation Method 2
the rotary element (30) and piston rod (21) form an interference fit. The rotary element can thus be turned against the friction of the interference fit and sits on the piston rod without play
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an injector (1) for an intraocular lens, the injector comprising a housing having a cannula (10), a receiving chamber (12) for the intraocular lens, and a plunger (20) that can be moved in the housing. The plunger is designed to move the intraocular lens out of the receiving chamber (12) through the cannula (10). The injector (1) comprises a rotary element (30) for moving the plunger (20). The rotary element (30) is rotatably and axially movably mounted on the plunger (20).