Adhesive-Free Lens Snap-Fixing for Ophthalmic Laser Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of attaching a lens element to a contact device in ophthalmological laser therapy systems is complex, time-consuming, and requires specialized tools and personnel, with adhesive use posing risks of unintended sticking and optical property changes.
Innovation Solution
A contact device with a snap connection mechanism allows for adhesive-free fastening of the lens element, using projection elements and an elastic compensating element to distribute forces evenly, enabling easy production and insertion without specialized tools or training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to attach the lens element to the contact device, then the lens element can be fixed in position, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming, labor-intensive, and technically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical snap connection system. The lens element features a projection element that engages with a holding element in the contact device, creating a mechanical interlock that eliminates the need for adhesive application, curing time, and specialized bonding equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap connection mechanism is designed to be self-assembling through simple manual insertion or automated placement. The projection element on the lens element automatically engages with the holding element in the contact device, eliminating the need for specialized tools, trained personnel, or complex manufacturing processes.
2Strength
If adhesive is used to attach the lens element, then bonding strength is achieved, but special tools and specially trained personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical snap connection system. The lens element features a projection element that engages with a holding element in the contact device, creating a mechanical interlock that eliminates the need for adhesive application, curing time, and specialized bonding equipment.
3Reliability
If adhesive is used to secure the lens element, then attachment is achieved, but unintentional bonding of other elements and adhesion in undesired locations occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical snap connection system. The lens element features a projection element that engages with a holding element in the contact device, creating a mechanical interlock that eliminates the need for adhesive application, curing time, and specialized bonding equipment.
4Reliability
If adhesive is used to attach the lens element, then fixation is achieved, but the optical properties of the lens element may change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical snap connection system. The lens element features a projection element that engages with a holding element in the contact device, creating a mechanical interlock that eliminates the need for adhesive application, curing time, and specialized bonding equipment.
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 solution simplifies the production of contact devices, reduces manufacturing costs, prevents unintended adhesion, and maintains the optical integrity of the lens element, allowing for rapid and cost-effective production of large quantities with minimal space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic compensating element arranged on a fastening surface of the contact element in order to reduce the forces acting on the lens element by the one or more holding elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system comprising a contact element (40) for fixing the geometrical position of a patient's eye relative to a laser applicator of an ophthalmological laser therapy system, and a lens element (1) for insertion into the contact element (40), the contact element (40) being designed to receive the lens element (10) in a predefined position, the lens element (10) having an eye face (30) for contacting the patient's eye or for delimiting a cavity between the lens element (10) and the patient's eye in an airtight manner, the lens element (10) having at least one protrusion element (25) for engaging with one or more holding elements (42-47) of the contact element (40) from beneath to secure the lens element (10) in the contact element (40) by means of a snap-action connection without the use of adhesive, the lens element (10) having a lens contact face (15) formed on the underside of the protrusion element (25) facing the eye face (30), the lens element (10) and the contact element (40) being formed in such a way that the lens element (10) can be secured in the contact element (40) by means of the snap-action connection in such a way that the lens contact face (15) is pressed by means of the at least one protrusion element (25) and one holding element (42-47) or the plurality of holding elements (42-47) against an elastic compensation element (50) arranged on a securing face (49) of the contact element (40) to reduce the forces acting on the lens element (10) by the one holding element (42-47) or the plurality of holding elements (42-47).