Lockable Plunger Mechanism for Stable Intraocular Lens Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant delivery systems for eye surgery lack reliable mechanisms to prevent accidental movement or removal of the plunger during implant insertion, leading to potential premature ejection or improper placement of intraocular lenses.
Innovation Solution
A lockable plunger mechanism with a key track, plunger key, and snap fittings that allow controlled movement from a locked to an unlocked position, ensuring stable implant delivery by preventing inadvertent unlocking or removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple plunger mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing accidental plunger movement is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a plunger key with key guide and arm, a key track with positioning features, and snap fittings with catches. Each segment performs a specific function (guiding, locking, positioning) that collectively ensures reliable prevention of accidental plunger movement while maintaining reasonable overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The key track includes a first catch positioned to engage the snap fitting before the plunger reaches its fully inserted position. This preliminary engagement action ensures that the plunger is locked in place during insertion, preventing accidental movement before the delivery system is fully assembled and ready for use
2Ease of operation
If the plunger is freely movable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of premature ejection or improper placement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through controlled interaction with the plunger key. The arm can be deliberately moved along the key track to disengage the snap fitting, allowing intentional plunger movement while preventing accidental movement. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by making the plunger both secure and operable
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger key acts as an intermediary tool between the operator and the plunger. Rather than directly manipulating the plunger, the operator uses the key to engage or disengage the locking mechanism. This intermediary provides controlled access to plunger movement, ensuring ease of operation when needed while preventing unintended movement
3Manufacturing precision
If the plunger is locked in position, then the reliability of precise implant placement is improved, but the productivity of the surgical procedure may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is engaged as a preliminary step before implant delivery, ensuring the plunger is securely positioned and the implant is properly loaded. This preliminary locking action establishes precise positioning conditions, and the subsequent deliberate unlocking and delivery process maintains surgical workflow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Once the plunger is unlocked using the key, the system allows rapid progression through the delivery phase. The snap fitting design enables quick transition from locked to unlocked state, and the plunger can be rapidly advanced to deliver the implant, minimizing the time the surgical procedure is paused and maintaining productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for eye surgery comprising a housing comprising a key track, a bore through the housing, a plunger at least partially disposed in the bore, and a plunger key. The plunger may comprise a rail and a keyway, and the plunger key may comprise a key guide coupled to the key track, an arm coupled to the key guide, and a rail slot through the arm. The arm may be disposed through the keyway of the plunger to allow the arm to move along the key track from a first position to a second position. The arm may be configured to block the rail in the first position and to align the rail slot with the rail in the second position so that the rail can move through the rail slot.