Magnetic IOL Haptic Positioning for Reliable Injector Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intraocular lens (IOL) insertion methods during cataract surgery are prone to complications such as incomplete unfolding or damage due to the folding process, which can lead to adverse outcomes.
Innovation Solution
An intraocular lens design featuring curved haptics with integrated permanent magnets or magnetizable components that allow for precise control of haptic positioning using magnetic fields, facilitated by an injector system with electromagnets to fold and insert the lens accurately into the capsular bag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the intraocular lens is folded within the injector to fit through the incision, then the lens can be inserted through a small corneal incision, but complications can occur during the folding process or while the folded lens is being inserted, leading to incomplete unfolding or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The haptics are pre-positioned in a retracted state against the optical body before insertion, and the magnetic coupling mechanism is pre-established between haptics and optical body. This preliminary configuration ensures that the lens maintains its compact folded form during insertion while being ready for controlled deployment, thereby preventing incomplete unfolding or damage during the insertion process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling mechanisms (such as friction-fit or snap-fit systems) with a magnetic coupling system. Electromagnets positioned against the optical body magnetically couple with ferromagnetic materials in the haptics, providing reliable holding force during insertion and controlled release for unfolding. This magnetic system eliminates mechanical complexity and improves reliability by preventing accidental disengagement during the folding and insertion process
2Device complexity
If traditional mechanical coupling mechanisms are used to hold haptics in a retracted position, then the lens can be folded for insertion, but the coupling mechanism adds complexity and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system. Electromagnets positioned against the optical body magnetically couple with ferromagnetic materials in the haptics, providing reliable holding force during insertion and controlled release for unfolding. This magnetic system eliminates mechanical complexity and improves reliability by preventing accidental disengagement during the folding and insertion process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the coupling mechanism from mechanical (contact-based) to magnetic (field-based). By controlling the electrical current to the electromagnets, the system can dynamically adjust the magnetic field strength to maintain haptic retention during insertion and then release for unfolding. This parameter change eliminates mechanical wear and failure points while improving overall system reliability
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 solution ensures low-risk, reproducible insertion and unfolding of the IOL, minimizing complications and reducing the likelihood of magnetic interference during diagnostic procedures like MRI.
Implementation Method 1
The first haptic is moved from the separation state to the proximity state by applying a first magnetic field to the first permanent magnet, and the second haptic is moved from the separation state to the proximity state by applying a second magnetic field to the second permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
The first haptic is shifted from the separation state to the proximity state by applying a first magnetic field to the first magnetizable component, and the second haptic is shifted from the separation state to the proximity state by applying a second magnetic field to the second magnetizable component
Implementation Method 3
a first electromagnet configured to move the first haptic from the distance state to the approach state
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method in which an intraocular lens (1) has an optical element (2) that has an optical axis (11); a first haptic element (3) that has a curved design, a first haptic element longitudinal end (12) arranged so as to face away from the optical element, and a first permanent magnet (5); and a second haptic element (4) that has a curved design, a second haptic element longitudinal end (13) arranged so as to face away from the optical element, and a second permanent magnet (6); wherein the first haptic element has a spaced-apart state, in which the first haptic element longitudinal end is arranged at a first radial distance (31) to the optical element in the direction of the optical axis, and a brought-together state, in which the first haptic element longitudinal end is relocated onto the optical element, whereby the first haptic element longitudinal end is arranged in the region of the optical element when viewed in an axial direction (16) with respect to the optical axis, and the second haptic element has a spaced-apart state, in which the second haptic element longitudinal end is arranged at a second radial distance (32) to the optical element, and a brought-together state, in which the second haptic element longitudinal end is relocated onto the optical element, whereby the second haptic element longitudinal end is arranged in the region of the optical element when viewed in the axial direction. The method has the step of: moving the haptic elements into the brought-together state by applying a magnetic field to the first and second permanent magnet.