Magnetically Driven Vitrectomy Cutter for Faster Aspiration Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vitrectomy probes require mechanically driven cutters that extend towards the rear of the probe, leading to increased mass and energy consumption, limiting actuation speed and reducing the available aspiration flow path.
Innovation Solution
A vitrectomy probe with a magnetically driven cutter, utilizing a permanently or temporarily magnetic material, is actuated by an induced magnetic field, allowing for a shorter cutter with reduced energy requirements and increased aspiration flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanically driven cutter is used in the vitrectomy probe, then the cutter can effectively cut ocular components, but the cutter must extend towards the rear of the probe which increases the probe mass and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical engine-driven cutter system with a magnetically driven cutter. The cutter is actuated by magnetic fields generated by magnets positioned in the probe body, eliminating the need for a mechanical engine at the rear of the probe. This substitution reduces the probe mass while maintaining effective cutting capability of ocular components.
2Ease of manufacture
If a mechanically driven cutter is used in the vitrectomy probe, then the cutter can effectively cut ocular components, but the cutter must extend towards the rear of the probe which increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical engine-driven cutter with a magnetically driven cutter. The magnetic field actuation requires less energy compared to a mechanical engine, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective cutting of ocular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the heavy mechanical engine from the probe design and replaces it with lightweight magnets. This extraction eliminates the need for complex mechanical transmission components, thereby reducing energy consumption associated with mechanical friction and transmission losses.
3Ease of manufacture
If a mechanically driven cutter is used in the vitrectomy probe, then the cutter can effectively cut ocular components, but the actuation speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical engine-driven cutter with a magnetically driven cutter. Magnetic fields can be activated and deactivated rapidly, enabling faster actuation speeds compared to mechanical engines which have inertia and mechanical response delays. This allows the cutter to start and stop more quickly, improving actuation speed.
4Ease of manufacture
If a mechanically driven cutter is used in the vitrectomy probe, then the cutter can effectively cut ocular components, but the available aspiration flow path is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical engine-driven cutter with a magnetically driven cutter. The magnetic drive system allows for a more compact cutter design that does not need to extend towards the rear of the probe. This creates additional space within the probe body, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area of the aspiration flow path and improving the removal of ocular components.
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 magnetically driven cutter enables faster actuation speeds and triples the aspiration flow rate, reducing energy consumption and increasing the cross-sectional area for ocular component removal.
Implementation Method 1
A field-creation unit is adapted to create an induced magnetic field, with the cutter being movable between a first position and a second position based in part on the induced magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The cutter is at least partially composed of a permanently magnetic material
Implementation Method 3
The field-creation unit includes a driving magnet positioned in the probe body. The field-creation unit in such an embodiment is adapted to selectively magnetize the tube such that movement in the cutter is induced when the tube is magnetized
Implementation Method 4
The field-creation unit includes a driving magnet positioned in the probe body. The field-creation unit in such an embodiment is adapted to selectively magnetize the tube such that movement in the cutter is induced when the tube is magnetized
Implementation Method 5
The field-creation unit includes an electromagnet positioned in the probe body and coiled around the tube. A flow of electric current in the electromagnet selectively magnetizes the tube, with the magnetized tube inducing movement in the cutter
Data Source
AI summary
A vitrectomy probe includes a probe body and a needle portion projecting from the probe body. The needle portion includes a tube which extends at least partially in the needle portion and at least partially in the probe body. A cutter is positioned inside the tube in the needle portion. The cutter is at least partially composed of a permanently magnetic material. A field-creation unit is adapted to create an induced magnetic field, with the cutter being movable between a first position and a second position based in part on the induced magnetic field. The tube may be at least partially composed of a temporarily magnetic material. In one embodiment, the field-creation unit includes a driving magnet positioned in the probe body and adapted to selectively magnetize the tube.