Modular Eye Measurement Adapter for Flexible Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for measuring eye properties, such as intraocular lens fitting, require multiple specialized devices or complex 3D tomographs, leading to ergonomic and economic inefficiencies, as well as limitations in flexibility and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A modular adapter system that can be detachably attached to existing eye measurement devices, allowing for the measurement of additional eye properties using shared resources, reducing systematic errors and optimizing clinical workspace.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple specialized measuring devices are used to measure different eye properties, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single measuring device to perform multiple measurement functions through detachable adapters. The basic device can measure axial distances, and by attaching different adapters (such as reflectometry adapters), it can also measure corneal curvatures and other eye properties, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement system into a basic device and separate functional adapters. Each adapter is designed for a specific measurement type (e.g., reflectometry for curvature measurement), allowing the system to be configured flexibly by attaching only the necessary adapter for each measurement task, thereby reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a combination device is used to measure multiple eye properties, then versatility is improved, but the device diameter increases leading to ergonomic problems

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidergonomic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the main device body from measurement functions, which are housed in detachable adapters. This allows the main device to remain compact and ergonomic, while versatility is achieved by attaching different adapters as needed, avoiding the need for a large integrated device diameter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing a basic device that can accommodate multiple different adapters for measuring various eye properties. This modular approach provides versatility without requiring all measurement functions to be integrated into a single large device, thereby maintaining ergonomic performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If a shorter working distance is used for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the risk of eye collision with the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the working distance adjustable through the use of detachable adapters that can be positioned at different distances from the eye. The system can dynamically adapt the measurement distance based on the specific measurement task and patient conditions, optimizing accuracy while minimizing collision risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2583620B1Topograph
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 HAAG STREIT AG
  • EP2583620B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2583620B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2583620B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The adapter (60) has a coupling unit (61) comprising a magnet, and a light conductor (62) for structured lighting of eye. Another light conductor diffuses or indirectly lights the eye, where the adapter is fastened at a measuring device (50) that comprises detectors i.e. image pickup unit, detecting property of the eye. A sensor recognizes the adapter, and a control unit switches a measuring mode for the property of the eye to a measuring mode for another property of the eye based on a measurement value of the sensor. An interferometer (54) is displaceable and/or swingable relative to the eye. The interferometer is designed as Michelson interferometer and Fourier domain interferometers. The sensor is designed as a signal transmitter. An independent claim is also included for a method for measuring properties of an eye.