Magnetic Wireless Remote Tray Mounting for Surgical Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic surgical trays face issues with wireless remotes accidentally moving or being discarded with surgical drapes, leading to operational difficulties and unnecessary replacement.

Innovation Solution

A wireless remote with magnets that magnetically couple to a tray with a magnetically attractive layer, combined with elastomeric pads for stable positioning, preventing accidental movement and ensuring the remote remains in place during procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the wireless remote is placed on the tray without magnetic coupling, then it can be easily removed and repositioned, but it may accidentally move or flip over during the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removal and repositioningVSAvoidstability during procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment methods (such as clips, screws, or adhesives) with magnetic coupling between the wireless remote and the tray. The tray includes a magnetically attractive layer that magnetically couples with magnets in the remote, providing secure holding while allowing easy removal and repositioning through simple pulling motions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes magnetic field strength as a controllable parameter to achieve the desired balance between holding force and ease of removal. By adjusting the magnetic coupling strength through the magnetically attractive layer and magnet configuration, the system provides sufficient holding force to prevent accidental movement while allowing intentional removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the wireless remote is covered with a surgical drape, then sanitization is maintained, but the remote may be accidentally discarded with the drape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization during procedureVSAvoidretention on tray

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical attachment methods that might interfere with drape coverage with magnetic coupling. The magnetic field penetrates the surgical drape material, maintaining the sanitization barrier while continuing to hold the remote securely underneath the drape. The magnetic coupling strength is sufficient to prevent the draped remote from being accidentally discarded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the wireless remote is securely attached to the tray, then accidental movement is prevented, but the remote cannot be easily repositioned or removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental movementVSAvoidease of repositioning and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces strong mechanical attachment systems with magnetic coupling that provides secure holding during normal operation but allows easy removal through simple pulling motions. The magnetic force maintains reliable attachment to prevent accidental movement while enabling intentional removal and repositioning when the user needs to adjust the remote location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If a magnetically attractive layer is added to the tray, then magnetic coupling is achieved, but the tray structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic coupling strengthVSAvoidtray structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements the magnetically attractive layer as a functional modification to the tray rather than a completely new structural component. The layer can be integrated into the existing tray design, utilizing the tray's existing structure and adding magnetic properties through material selection or coating, thereby minimizing structural complexity while achieving reliable magnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 magnetic coupling and elastomeric pads provide improved stability and flexibility, allowing the remote to remain user-determined in position, reducing accidental movement and replacement, thus enhancing surgical procedure efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

one or more magnets configured to magnetically interact with the magnetically attractive layer and couple the wireless remote to the tray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

one or more elastomeric pads aligned with the one or more magnets, wherein the one or more elastomeric pads are configured to maintain positioning of the wireless remote on the tray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12496158B2Systems including a wireless remote and tray

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 ALCON INC

AI summary

Described herein is a system for surgical procedures. The system can include a tray and a wireless remote. The tray may include a magnetically attractive layer. The wireless remote is configured to control one or more aspects associated with operations of a surgical console and includes one or more magnets configured to magnetically interact with the magnetically attractive layer and couple the wireless remote to the tray.