Fluid Delivery Apparatus for Ocular Surgery Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering fluids during eye surgery, particularly vitreo-retinal surgery, lack precise control over pressure and flow rate, especially when dealing with gases, leading to potential human error and unsuitable fluid absorption rates.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for fluid delivery that includes a fluid reservoir with separate supply lines for pressure control, using a cylindrical chamber and piston design with low friction and gas-tight interfaces, along with a control system that utilizes pressure sensors and valves to maintain constant pressure and flow rates, suitable for delivering biocompatible gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual fluid delivery using syringe and finger pressure is used, then the apparatus is simple to operate, but the precision of pressure and flow rate control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (syringe with finger pressure) with an automated control system that uses electronic pressure sensors, flow sensors, and computer-controlled pumps to precisely regulate fluid delivery pressure and flow rate, eliminating the imprecision of manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using pressure sensors and flow sensors to continuously monitor the actual pressure and flow rate, comparing these measurements to target values, and automatically adjusting pump operation to maintain precise control, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple operation and precise control
2Measurement precision
If automated pressure control system is implemented, then the precision of pressure control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional integrated control system where a single computer-controlled platform performs multiple functions including pressure regulation, flow rate control, fluid mixing, and monitoring, thereby achieving precise pressure control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computer control system that acts as a mediator between the complex sensor array and the actuation mechanisms, coordinating multiple functions through software algorithms that simplify the overall system architecture while maintaining precise control
3Device complexity
If fluid mixing is performed manually, then the device complexity is low, but the precision of mixture ratio control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual fluid mixing with computer-controlled pumping systems that use electronic flow meters and pressure sensors to precisely regulate the ratio of mixed fluids, achieving accurate mixture ratio control through automated feedback control rather than manual estimation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of fluid mixing by using variable speed pumps that can adjust their flow rates in real-time based on feedback from flow sensors and pressure sensors, allowing precise mixture ratio control that adapts to changing surgical conditions
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 solution provides accurate and automated delivery of fluids, maintaining intra-ocular pressure and reducing human error by controlling the pressure and flow rate of gases, ensuring effective fluid retention and absorption during eye surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure control line with an inlet connectable to a second fluid supply, the pressure control line being coupled to the fluid reservoir to thereby control the pressure in the fluid reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a cylindrical chamber and piston design with low friction and gas-tight interfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Apparatus for gas delivery, particularly at low pressure and volume. The apparatus has a gas reservoir, a delivery line between the gas reservoir and a gas outlet and a first supply line between a first inlet connect able to a first gas supply and the gas reservoir. A pressure control line is provided with an inlet connect able to a second gas supply. The pressure control line is coupled to the gas reservoir to thereby control the pressure in the gas reservoir.