Magnetic Probe Retention for Inclined Intraocular Pressure Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rebound tonometers struggle with secure measurements when the probe is inclined, as it tends to fall from the apparatus, limiting the ability to perform intraocular pressure measurements in non-vertical positions, such as during eye surgery, and there is a need for a device where the probe remains secure whether power is on or off.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a magnetic circuit to hold the probe within the tonometer base, ensuring it stays in place during inclined or vertical measurements, using a magnetic coil to release the probe for measurement, allowing for secure operation regardless of power status and controlling the influence of gravity through adjustable driving current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the probe is allowed to move freely in the tonometer during inclined measurements, then the measurement operation becomes simpler, but the probe falls from the apparatus and measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-lock system with a magnetic field-based holding mechanism. The magnetic circuit generates a magnetic field that securely holds the probe in place during inclined measurements without requiring mechanical intervention, while allowing the probe to move freely when needed for measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the tonometer apparatus and the probe. This magnetic field acts as a non-contact holding mechanism that prevents the probe from falling during inclined positions while maintaining measurement capability.
2Reliability
If mechanical means or wide probe holder are used to prevent probe falling, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms and wide probe holders with a simple magnetic circuit. The magnetic field provides secure probe retention during inclined measurements without requiring additional mechanical components or structural modifications to the probe holder.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tonometer is designed for horizontal measurements only, then probe stability is maintained, but adaptability to different measurement positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a magnetic field as an intermediary force that can maintain probe stability in any orientation, not just horizontal positions. The magnetic circuit allows the tonometer to adapt to vertical, inclined, and horizontal measurement positions while keeping the probe securely in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the tonometer universal by enabling it to perform measurements in multiple positions (horizontal, vertical, and inclined). The magnetic holding mechanism provides universal probe retention across all orientations, making the device adaptable to various surgical and clinical scenarios.
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
Enables risk-free vertical and inclined measurements, improving device usability and maintaining a simple, economical construction for precise intraocular pressure measurement without requiring patient cooperation or local anesthesia, suitable for both horizontal and vertical positions.
Implementation Method 1
The means for holding the probe (3) inside the tubular probe base (105) is a magnetic circuit
Implementation Method 2
The means for releasing the probe for the measurement is a magnetic coil
Implementation Method 3
An induction coil gives the probe a specific velocity
Implementation Method 4
means for measuring the variations in a velocity of the probe
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring intraocular pressure includes a functional part with a tubular probe base and a probe contactable with a surface of an eye to derive an intraocular pressure in the eye from variations in a velocity of the probe. The probe is inside the tubular probe base. The probe is partly formed of magnetic material. An induction coil gives the probe a specific velocity. The device also has means for measuring the variations in a velocity of the probe, means for processing and displaying the measurement data, and controlling operations. The device is mainly characterized by means for holding the probe inside the tubular probe base, and means for releasing the probe for the measurement.