Ophthalmic Docking System with 3D Magnetic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic surgery techniques require manual alignment of the laser head with the patient interface, which is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies, potentially causing eye movement and tissue damage during laser procedures.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic positioning system using sensors on the laser head to detect a magnet on the patient interface, allowing for automated or assisted alignment by controlling the laser head's movement based on magnetic field measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual alignment of laser head with patient interface is used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment accuracy and treatment time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated magnetic sensing system. Four magnetic sensors detect the position of a magnet on the patient interface relative to the laser head, and a control system automatically adjusts the laser head position based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual alignment while significantly improving alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic positioning system enables the laser system to automatically dock with the patient interface without operator intervention. The control system processes magnetic field signals and autonomously positions the laser head, making the system self-aligning and reducing dependency on manual operation.
2Device complexity
If manual alignment of laser head with patient interface is used, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated magnetic sensing and control system replaces time-consuming manual alignment procedures, enabling rapid and precise positioning of the laser head, thereby reducing overall treatment time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensors continuously monitor the relative position of the laser head and patient interface before docking is complete, allowing the system to proactively adjust positioning and minimize docking time, rather than relying on reactive manual adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If automated magnetic positioning system is used, then alignment accuracy and treatment time are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that simplifies the positioning task. The magnet on the patient interface creates a magnetic field that serves as a reference signal for the sensors, enabling accurate positioning without complex direct measurement systems between the laser head and patient interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensing system serves multiple functions: it provides alignment guidance, monitors docking status, and enables automated control, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single multi-functional magnetic positioning subsystem.
4Productivity
If automated magnetic positioning system is used, then treatment time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated magnetic control system replaces prolonged manual alignment operations with rapid sensor-based positioning, achieving significant time savings despite the added electronic components and control logic.
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
Enhances alignment accuracy and reduces treatment time, improving both diagnostic and treatment outcomes while enhancing patient comfort by automating the eye-docking process.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field sensing system, which includes a first, a second, a third and a fourth magnetic field sensors and a control device electrically coupled to the first through fourth sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic positioning system and related method for automated or assisted eye-docking in ophthalmic surgery. The system includes a magnetic field sensing system on a laser head and a magnet on a patient interface to be mounted on the patient's eye. The magnetic field sensing system includes four magnetic field sensors located on a horizontal plane for detecting the magnetic field of the magnet, where one pair of sensors are located along the X direction at equal distances from the optical axis of the laser head and another pair are located along the Y direction at equal distances from the optical axis. Based on relative magnitudes of the magnetic field detected by each pair of sensors, the magnetic field sensing system determines whether the patient interface is centered on the optical axis. The system controls the laser head to move toward the patient interface until the latter is centered on the optical axis.