Ocular Lens Structural Features for Customizable Irrigation Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ocular irrigation devices, such as the Morgan Lens, lack the ability to customize flow patterns and rates to effectively treat varying ocular traumas and diseases, limiting their effectiveness in specific treatment scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ocular irrigation device with structural features like openings, grooves, interior channels, and increased curvature to control fluid flow, allowing for customizable flow patterns and rates, and the use of multiple lenses or irrigation stems to target specific areas of the eye and eyelid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard ocular lens design is used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow patterns and rates cannot be customized for different treatment needs
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple functional zones with different flow characteristics. Openings are strategically positioned at specific locations (e.g., superior, inferior, nasal, temporal aspects) to create distinct flow patterns. This segmentation allows customization of irrigation flow without requiring entirely different lens designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are given different properties through selective placement of openings, grooves, and channels. For example, larger openings may be placed in areas requiring higher flow rates, while smaller openings are placed in areas needing gentler irrigation. This local differentiation enables tailored treatment for specific ocular conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple openings and channels are added to control fluid flow, then flow customization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow control features (openings, grooves, channels) are integrated into a single lens structure rather than requiring separate components. The openings are formed directly in the lens body, and grooves are molded into the lens surface, combining multiple functions into one manufacturable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens design incorporates features that serve multiple purposes: openings control flow rate, grooves direct flow patterns, and channels distribute fluid to specific areas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components while achieving comprehensive flow control.
3Quantity of substance
If the lens curvature is increased to increase fluid reservoir, then the reservoir volume is improved, but the lens may contact the cornea more readily
Solution Approach 1:
The lens design incorporates a balance between central curvature (for reservoir volume) and peripheral zone characteristics (to prevent cornea contact). The dynamic flow patterns created by strategically placed openings ensure that irrigation pressure maintains lens elevation, preventing unwanted contact while preserving reservoir benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control features act as intermediaries between the irrigation fluid source and the ocular surface. By regulating flow through openings and channels, the system maintains optimal fluid pressure that keeps the lens elevated, indirectly preventing cornea contact while preserving the fluid reservoir's therapeutic benefits.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the peripheral rim size is increased to direct fluid to eye corners, then coverage of difficult areas is improved, but the lens size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply increasing peripheral rim area, the design uses three-dimensional flow direction control through grooves and channels that guide fluid at specific angles and paths. This dimensional approach to flow control achieves corner coverage without proportionally increasing overall lens size.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow direction control function is extracted from the peripheral rim structure itself and implemented through dedicated grooves and channels. This separates the flow direction function from the structural support function, allowing efficient corner coverage without excessive rim enlargement.
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 more precise and effective irrigation of the eye and eyelid tissues, improving treatment outcomes by allowing for variable flow rates and patterns tailored to specific injuries or diseases, enhancing both flushing and dilution actions.
Implementation Method 1
the irrigation fluid introduced causes the lens to float above the surface of the eye while continuously irrigating the eye
Implementation Method 2
The irrigating solution creates a continuous film between the underside of the ocular lens and the exposed surface of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
An ocular irrigation device and method are provided including an ocular lens having selected structural features that facilitate flow of irrigation fluid to the eye through the ocular lens introduced by a source of irrigating fluid. The selected structural features achieve one or more objectives with respect to control of irrigation fluid so that selected portions of the eye and eyelids may be more effectively irrigated and treated. Control of the irrigation fluid by the invention includes variables of fluid flow characteristics to include control of flow velocity, flow volume, flow direction, and flow turbidity. Selected structural features of the ocular lens may address one or more of these variables alone or in selected combinations to provide an optimal method for treating a patient.