Modular Ophthalmic Surgery Instrument With Distal Slider Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgery instruments face challenges in manual operation efficiency and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
The ophthalmic surgery instrument features a movable shaft surrounding the surgical module, a guiding element with a central bore, a driving unit, and an actuation unit with a distal slider that improves manual operation by allowing the shaft and surgical module to move relative to each other, and includes actuation arms for stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed configuration surgery instrument is used, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The surgery instrument is divided into a handle and a modular probe assembly that can be separated and reconfigured. The probe assembly includes interchangeable modules (e.g., cutting module, coagulation module) that can be attached to different handle types, allowing the system to adapt to various surgical needs while maintaining manufacturing precision for each standardized component.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The modular probe assembly can be detached from the handle and reattached in different configurations or replaced with different modules during surgery, enabling real-time adaptation to changing surgical requirements while each component maintains its own precise manufacturing specifications.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed configuration surgery instrument is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of repair and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is segmented into modular components (handle, probe assembly, surgical modules) that can be independently maintained and repaired. If one module fails, only that specific module needs to be replaced or repaired rather than the entire instrument, improving ease of repair while each module maintains its manufacturing precision through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows for easy replacement of worn or damaged modules. Instead of repairing complex fixed configurations, individual modules can be quickly swapped out and sent for specialized repair or replacement, improving overall instrument availability and ease of maintenance while maintaining precise manufacturing standards for each module.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are made detachable, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular probe assembly is designed to nest within or attach to the handle in a standardized manner. The modules can be stored within the handle or attached in a hierarchical configuration, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability. The nested design allows multiple modules to be integrated into a compact form factor when not in use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are made detachable, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential assembly errors
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable connections use asymmetric, non-reversible coupling mechanisms that prevent incorrect assembly. The male and female connectors have unique geometric profiles that only fit together in the correct orientation and configuration, eliminating assembly errors while maintaining full adaptability. This asymmetric design ensures that modules can only be attached in the proper manner, preserving reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An ophthalmic surgery instrument, an add-on module, methods of assembling and de-assembling an ophthalmic surgery instrument The invention relates to an ophthalmic surgery instrument, comprising a handling unit (2), a surgical module (3) provided on the handling unit, and a shaft (4) at least partially surrounding the surgical module, wherein the surgical module and the shaft are mutually movable relative. The handling unit further comprises a guiding element (5) arranged at a distal end of the handling unit. The handling unit comprises a driving unit (8) for driving the surgical module or the shaft relative to the guiding element back and forth through the central bore of the guiding element, and an actuation unit (9) associated with the driving unit for actuating the driving unit upon manual actuation of the actuation unit, wherein the actuation unit includes a distal slider (10) at least partially surrounding the guiding element.