Modular Intraocular Lens Injector for Contamination Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Intraocular lens injector devices accumulate viscoelastic substances during surgery, which can contaminate and introduce complications in subsequent procedures if not properly cleaned, highlighting the need for a modular design that enables effective cleaning of internal components.
Innovation Solution
A modular IOL injection device with detachable modules allows for the exposure and cleaning of the injector rod, and an optional cleaning module for thorough flushing and sterilization, ensuring all accumulated substances are removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IOL injector device uses a non-modular integrated design, then the device structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the internal components cannot be effectively cleaned between surgeries leading to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The IOL injector device is divided into separate modular components including a reusable hub assembly and disposable lens cartridges. The hub assembly contains the injector rod and can be detached from the lens cartridge, allowing the injector rod to be exposed and cleaned between surgeries. This segmentation enables the internal components to be accessed for cleaning while maintaining overall device functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the IOL injector device uses a modular design with detachable modules, then the internal components can be cleaned and reused, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a hub assembly and lens cartridge that can be detached from each other. The hub assembly contains the injector rod which becomes accessible when the lens cartridge is removed, enabling easy cleaning of internal components without disassembling the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens cartridge is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use, while the more expensive hub assembly with the injector rod can be reused after cleaning. This approach eliminates the need to clean the entire device while maintaining the ability to clean and reuse the critical injector rod component.
3Productivity
If the injector rod is not cleaned between surgeries, then the device can be used continuously without interruption, but viscoelastic substances accumulate and contaminate subsequent patients
Solution Approach 1:
The lens cartridge containing accumulated viscoelastic substances is extracted and discarded after use, while the hub assembly with the injector rod can be quickly cleaned and reused. This extraction of the contaminated component allows for rapid turnover between surgeries while preventing cross-contamination between patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable lens cartridge is discarded after single use, eliminating the need to clean it, while the reusable hub assembly is recovered and cleaned for subsequent uses. This approach balances productivity with contamination prevention by discarding the easily replaced component and recovering the valuable injector rod.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
An intraocular lens (IOL) injection device is modularized to enable cleaning of internal components after surgery. The device includes first and second housing modules. These modules collectively define a passageway along which an injector rod moves between a retracted position and an extended position. The first module is further configured to accommodate a lens cartridge module. The cartridge module has disposed therein an IOL, in alignment with the passageway. Thus as the rod moves from the retracted position to the extended position, a front portion of the rod that is substantially surrounded by the first module in the retracted position moves into the cartridge module and displaces the IOL. This causes the front portion of the rod to accumulate on it viscoelastic substances. The first module, though, is configured to detach from the second module, to thereby expose the front portion of the rod in the retracted position for cleaning.