Ophthalmologic Device Tissue Breakdown via Segmented Laser Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmological apparatuses for breaking down eye tissue, such as those used in refractive surgical treatments, face limitations in size and efficiency due to the need for large light sources and scanning systems, leading to cumbersome designs and reduced precision, especially when using high numerical aperture lenses for smaller cutting zones and high pulse rates.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a base station with a light source and an application head equipped with a rotatably supported mirror for fast scanning movements, allowing for the superimposition of light pulses onto slower mechanical movements, enabling a compact design that can utilize high pulse rates without increasing overall size, and includes an articulated arm for flexible positioning and weight compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large light sources and scanning systems are used for tissue breakdown, then the treatment coverage and pulse rate are improved, but the device size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional modules: a compact application head for precise tissue treatment and a separate base station housing the light source and scanning control systems. This segmentation allows the application head to remain small and maneuverable while the base station contains the larger components, resolving the contradiction between treatment capability and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source and scanning control systems are extracted from the application head and placed in a separate base station. This extraction enables the application head to maintain a compact form factor suitable for ophthalmological procedures while the base station provides the necessary high-power laser source and scanning control for effective tissue breakdown.
2Manufacturing precision
If high numerical aperture lenses are used for smaller cutting zones, then the precision and cutting quality are improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The application head incorporates movable components that can be dynamically adjusted during procedures. The scanning mirrors and optical elements are designed to move precisely under computer control, allowing high numerical aperture lenses to be used effectively while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated dynamic adjustment rather than static complex mechanical structures.
3Ease of operation
If the application head is made compact for ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the scanning capability and treatment efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The application head replaces complex mechanical scanning mechanisms with a simpler design that relies on electronic control and software-based scanning patterns. The compact application head uses electronically controlled mirrors or acousto-optic deflectors instead of large mechanical scanning systems, maintaining maneuverability while preserving scanning capability through non-mechanical or minimally mechanical means.
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
This configuration allows for more precise and efficient tissue breakdown with reduced energy consumption, increased accuracy, and less stress on the eye, enabling quicker and more stable operations without the need for repositioning the patient or the eximer laser system during treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for generating light pulses, and an application head which can be mounted on an eye, which application head is provided with a light projector for the focussed projection of the light pulses for punctiform breakdown of eye tissue
Implementation Method 2
an application head which can be mounted on an eye, which application head is provided with a light projector for the focussed projection of the light pulses
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmological apparatus includes a base station having a light source generating light pulses, and an application head mountable on an eye having a light projector for focussed projection of the light pulses for punctiform breakdown of eye tissue. The application head has movement drivers moving the light projector in a feed direction and a first scanning direction. A scanner in the base station deflects the light pulses in a second scanning direction. The ophthalmological apparatus includes an optical transmission system transmitting deflected light pulses from the base station to the application head, and superimposing the light pulses deflected in the second scanning direction onto the movement of the light projector in the first scanning direction. Light sources with high light pulse rates, for example femtosecond lasers may be used, without impractical enlargement of the size of the application head.