Ophthalmic Laser Interface with Flexible Suction Fit for Small Eyes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in interfacing optical and ophthalmic systems with the human eye, particularly in fitting comfortably and securely to various eye shapes and sizes, providing an enhanced field of view, and ensuring safe attachment for therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Innovation Solution

The development of an interface device with flexible contact members forming a non-planar ellipse-shaped reduced pressure zone on the eye, allowing for secure attachment and enhanced laser beam path access, utilizing a housing with inner and outer contact members that adjust to the eye's shape, and a suction mechanism for stable positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid interface device is used to securely attach to the eye, then attachment stability is improved, but comfort and adaptability to various eye shapes and sizes deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to eye shapes and sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device incorporates flexible contact members including an inner contact member and an outer contact member that can conform to the curved surface of the eye. These flexible members are configured to engage the eye surface while maintaining a seal, allowing the device to adapt to various eye shapes and sizes while providing stable attachment through flexible conformability rather than rigid fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The interface device uses a dynamic sealing mechanism where the flexible contact members can deform and adjust during attachment. The inner and outer contact members are designed to flexibly engage with the eye surface, allowing the device to dynamically adapt to different eye geometries while maintaining secure attachment through continuous flexible contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If pressure is applied to secure the interface device to the eye, then attachment stability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to excessive pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidpatient discomfort from pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device applies suction pressure only to the necessary extent to maintain secure attachment and sealing. The flexible contact members are designed to distribute the suction force across a larger surface area, applying just enough pressure to achieve reliable attachment while avoiding excessive pressure that would cause patient discomfort or eye damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible contact members conform to the eye surface, distributing suction pressure evenly across the contact area. This flexibility allows the device to achieve secure attachment through distributed partial pressure rather than concentrated excessive pressure, maintaining both attachment stability and patient comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the interface device is designed to fit various eye sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit for various eye sizesVSAvoiddevice structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device employs universal flexible contact members that can adapt to a wide range of eye sizes and shapes through their inherent flexibility and conformability. The inner and outer contact members are designed with universal geometric characteristics that allow them to engage different eye surfaces without requiring multiple specialized components, achieving versatility through simplified universal design rather than complex multi-configuration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 interface device provides a secure, comfortable fit for a wide range of eye sizes, enhancing the field of view and enabling effective laser procedures by maintaining a stable, reduced pressure zone for improved therapeutic and diagnostic access.

Implementation Method 1

a suction mechanism for stable positioning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12564514B2Patient interface device for laser methods and systems

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 LENSAR INC

AI summary

An optical interface device having an opening for an optical path that can be non-circular and having engagement members having gradually varying angles of engagement. An embodiment of the interface device can be a one size fits all device, providing a configuration that fits in all typical eye openings, including narrow palpebral fissures and small eyes, while providing optical path access to features and structures of the eye. An embodiment of the interface device engages the limbus, cornea and sclera.