Ophthalmic Training Simulator with Flexible Eye Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic training simulators lack realism and stability during complex procedures, are costly, and do not allow for the practice of using specialized tools like slit lamps, limiting the effectiveness of training for emergency eye trauma treatment.
Innovation Solution
A cost-efficient ophthalmic training simulator featuring a realistic, anatomically accurate human face and eye assembly with a flexible post to prevent rotational movement, allowing for slit lamp examination and simulation of foreign body removal and lateral canthotomy procedures, using a prosthetic face base and silicone face mask with a removable eye assembly that mimics human eye anatomy and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If animal or cadaver eyeballs are used for training, then realistic feel of working with human tissue is improved, but stability during complex suturing exercises is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic copy of the eyeball using a water balloon or similar elastic membrane that replicates the visual appearance and basic tactile properties of a real eyeball, while providing superior stability for training exercises. The copy maintains the essential characteristics needed for training without the instability of biological tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The training eye assembly combines multiple materials including an elastic membrane (water balloon), adhesive substances, and mounting structures to create a composite system that achieves both realism and stability. The combination of these materials allows the eyeball to remain stable during complex suturing while still providing a realistic feel.
2Stability of the object's composition
If suction is applied through a suction ring to hold the eyeball, then stability of eyeball is improved, but realistic eye movement during procedures is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the suction ring component from the training eye assembly, eliminating the mechanism that prevented realistic eye movement. Instead, the eyeball is held in place through alternative means (adhesive, mounting structure) that allow natural movement during procedures while maintaining overall stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a plastic eyeball is used for training, then cost is reduced and availability is improved, but anatomical resemblance to real human eyeball is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the eyeball from rigid plastic to an elastic membrane material (such as a water balloon) that better replicates the soft, compliant properties of a real eyeball. This parameter change improves anatomical resemblance while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacture.
4Ease of operation
If commercial training simulators are used, then hands on training capability is improved, but ability to practice with specialized equipment like slit lamp is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The training eye assembly is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be used with various training setups including slit lamps, surgical microscopes, and other specialized ophthalmic equipment. The standardized mounting structure enables the same eye model to serve multiple training functions across different platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic training simulator with simulated foreign objects and/or canthal tendons. A method of practicing foreign object removal from the eye and lateral canthotomy of the eye using said ophthalmic training simulator.