Ophthalmic Apparatus Vertical Measurement Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic apparatuses face difficulties in aligning measurement parts for intraocular pressure and eye characteristics due to complex vertical movement mechanisms, making it hard to open eyelids for intraocular pressure measurement.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic apparatus with a measurement unit that includes an intraocular pressure measurement part positioned above an eye characteristic measurement part, allowing for up-and-down movement to align optical axes at the same height as the eye, facilitating easier eyelid opening during intraocular pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the intraocular pressure measurement part is placed above the eye characteristic measurement part with shared optical axis, then the apparatus structure is compact, but it becomes difficult to open eyelids for intraocular pressure measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into two independent measurement parts: an intraocular pressure measurement part and an eye characteristic measurement part. Each part has its own independent optical axis and observation optical system, rather than sharing a single optical axis. This segmentation allows the intraocular pressure measurement part to be positioned higher, creating space for eyelid opening while maintaining compact overall structure through the vertical arrangement of the two parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal or single-level arrangement to a vertical three-dimensional arrangement. The intraocular pressure measurement part is positioned at a higher vertical level than the eye characteristic measurement part. This vertical dimensionality change creates operational space above the eye for eyelid opening during intraocular pressure measurement, while maintaining a compact footprint in the horizontal plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measurement parts are arranged vertically, then alignment work becomes complicated, but measurement functionality is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into independent measurement parts, each with its own optical axis. The intraocular pressure measurement part has its optical axis L1 positioned higher than the optical axis L2 of the eye characteristic measurement part. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex alignment mechanisms required in shared optical axis designs, as each part can be independently aligned to its respective optical axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movement mechanism that acts as an intermediary to adjust the vertical position of the measurement parts. This movement mechanism facilitates easy alignment by allowing the intraocular pressure measurement part to be moved up and down to achieve proper positioning relative to the eye characteristic measurement part, simplifying the alignment process while maintaining measurement versatility.
3Volume of moving object
If the working distance is short for compact apparatus, then the apparatus is compact, but it becomes difficult to open eyelids for measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to resolve the conflict between compactness and ease of operation. By positioning the intraocular pressure measurement part at a higher vertical level, the patent creates sufficient vertical space for eyelid opening while maintaining a short horizontal working distance. This three-dimensional arrangement achieves both compact apparatus size and ease of eyelid opening for measurement.
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
Simplifies the alignment process and allows for easier opening of eyelids during intraocular pressure measurement by positioning the intraocular pressure measurement part higher than the eye characteristic measurement part, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
measures intraocular pressure by blowing fluid to a cornea of an examinee's eye via a nozzle to deform the cornea
Implementation Method 2
which has a measurement optical system for measuring eye characteristics of the examinee's eye
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
An ophthalmic apparatus with which it is easy to open eyelids of an examinee at the time of intraocular pressure measurement has a measurement unit (4) including a measurement part (4b) measuring intraocular pressure by blowing fluid to a cornea (Ec) of an examinee's eye (E) via a nozzle (63) to deform the cornea and a measurement part (4a) having an optical system for measuring eye characteristics of the eye, wherein the intraocular pressure measurement part is placed above the eye characteristic measurement part, a device making a selective changeover between an intraocular pressure measurement mode and an eye characteristic measurement mode, and a first movement device (6) moving the measurement unit in an up-and-down direction with respect to the eye so that a measurement optical axis of either of the measurement parts to be used for the selected mode is positioned at approximately the same height as the eye.