Ophthalmic Cassette Valve Compression via Console Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surgical cassettes used in cataract surgery face challenges in maintaining a robust seal due to insufficient compression forces between sealing materials and internal surfaces, leading to reduced effectiveness over time.

Innovation Solution

The surgical cassette incorporates a system where the surgical console applies additional compression forces to the valve assemblies, reducing mechanical stress on the materials and extending the lifespan of the cassette. This system includes valve drive assemblies and a clamp assembly to ensure consistent compression of the sealing material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional surgical cassettes rely solely on retaining rings to provide compression forces, then the device structure remains simple, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates over time due to insufficient compression forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidcompression force application mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the retaining ring structure with a valve body that integrates sealing surfaces and compression features. The valve body is disposed within a cavity defined by the retaining ring, creating a unified assembly where the valve body's geometry and material properties contribute to maintaining compression forces on sealing materials throughout the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If retaining rings provide all compression forces, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the duration of active use decreases due to material stress degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecassette lifespanVSAvoidmaterial selection constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is designed with dynamic compliance, allowing it to deform elastically under compression and maintain sealing contact over time. The material selection for the valve body prioritizes fatigue resistance and elastic recovery properties, enabling the component to withstand repeated compression cycles throughout the surgical procedure and extend cassette lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If high compression forces are applied continuously by retaining rings, then sealing is maintained, but mechanical stress on materials increases leading to premature failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal robustnessVSAvoidmaterial stress resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes in the valve body design, including optimized geometry, material composition, and surface characteristics. The valve body's structural parameters are tuned to distribute compression forces evenly across sealing surfaces, reducing stress concentrations and preventing material fatigue while maintaining reliable sealing throughout the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 a longer period of active use for the surgical cassette by reducing mechanical stress and allowing the use of more common materials, while maintaining a robust seal during ophthalmic procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the retaining ring provides a compression force against the valve body that in turn compresses at least a portion of a sealing material disposed on the valve body against a surface of the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the surgical console also applies a compression force to the same valve assemblies... providing a compression force from the surgical console instead of or in addition to the compression forces provided by each retaining ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20250134708A1Apparatus for providing compression in ophthalmic surgical cassettes and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 ALCON INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein provide a surgical cassette and surgical console for ophthalmic irrigation or aspiration during a surgical procedure, the surgical cassette comprising a plurality of valve assemblies, wherein each valve assembly comprises a retaining ring coupled to a base of the surgical cassette, and a valve body disposed within a cavity defined within the retaining ring, wherein the retaining ring provides a compression force against the valve body that in turn compresses at least a portion of a sealing material disposed on the valve body against a surface of the base. The surgical console comprises a plurality of valve drive assemblies configured to apply additional compression forces to the valve assemblies of the surgical cassette. The valve drive assemblies may be actuated individually or collectively so as to provide additional compression to selected ones of the plurality of valve assemblies.