Ophthalmic Cutting Device Pressure Sensor Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical cutting devices for procedures like vitrectomy and retinal peeling lack self-test and error detection capabilities, leading to unsafe operation due to undetected leaks and valve aging, requiring costly manual service for adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a pressure sensor in the flow channel between the cutting device and valve to measure pressure and pressure pulses, allowing for automatic detection of leaks and adjustments, enabling auto-tuning of the operating point and reducing the need for manual service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual service is used to detect and adjust operating point shifts, then detection capability is provided, but service costs increase and operation safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting operating point shifts through pressure sensor measurements and comparing them against stored reference values, eliminating the need for external manual service intervention and enabling the system to monitor and report its own operational status
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback about the actual operating conditions by measuring pressure pulses in the flow channel, which are then processed by the control unit to detect deviations from the desired operating point, creating a closed-loop monitoring system
2Reliability
If pressure sensor is integrated into the flow channel, then leak detection capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures pressure pulses for operating point detection, detects leaks through pressure changes, and provides data for both diagnostic and operational purposes, making the single component multi-functional rather than adding dedicated separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure measurement function is merged directly into the existing flow channel structure, with the pressure sensor integrated at a specific location within the fluid path rather than adding a separate external monitoring system, combining diagnostic capability with the operational fluid pathway
3Ease of manufacture
If operating point setting is performed manually once before delivery, then initial setup is simplified, but adaptability to changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The desired operating point values are predetermined and stored in the control unit during manufacturing, allowing the device to be pre-configured with reference pressure values that guide automatic adjustments and diagnostics without requiring manual reconfiguration during use
Solution Approach 2:
The operating point setting transitions from a static manual configuration to a dynamic automatic adjustment process, where the control unit continuously compares actual pressure measurements against stored reference values and automatically adjusts parameters to maintain optimal operation despite aging or environmental 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
Ensures safe and reliable operation by automatically compensating for leaks and valve aging, preventing incorrect adjustments and device failures, while allowing for versatile use with different cutting devices and simplifying the setup process.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor measuring a pressure and/or pressure pulse in the flow channel between the cutting device or the cutting element and the valve is assigned to the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
the cutting element can be acted upon by a pressure pulse that drives the cutting element to move by interaction of the valve with a pressure-generating device
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A device for cutting and aspirating tissue from the human or animal body, preferably for use in ophthalmology, in particular for vitrectomy, retinal peeling, etc., comprising a cutting device with a reciprocating cutting element, wherein the cutting device is fluidically connected to a valve via a flow channel (1) and wherein the cutting element can be subjected to a pressure pulse driving the cutting element to movement by means of an interaction of the valve with a pressure generating device, is designed and further developed with regard to safe operation of the device at low cost using structurally simple means such that a pressure sensor (3) measuring a pressure and/or pressure pulse in the flow channel (1) between the cutting device or the cutting element and the valve is assigned to the flow channel (1).Furthermore, a corresponding procedure for cutting and suctioning tissue from the human or animal body is described.