Ophthalmological Patient Interface Anti-Rotation Rib Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient interfaces for ophthalmological applications face challenges in securing a stable and defined coupling to the patient's eye, particularly in preventing relative rotation and leakage, which can lead to unintended exposure to diagnostic or therapeutic beams.

Innovation Solution

A patient interface with a negative pressure cavity and rib members that project into the cavity, providing a positive locking mechanism to prevent rotation and slipping, while maintaining uniform contact pressure and fluidic sealing without a sharp edge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If anti-rotation structures are provided at the sealing lips, then relative rotation between patient interface and patient eye is prevented, but contact pressure is locally reduced and leakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of relative rotationVSAvoidcontact pressure uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patient interface is divided into functional zones: a circumferential sealing lip for vacuum sealing and a separate central rib structure for anti-rotation functionality. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between preventing rotation and maintaining uniform contact pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rib members act as intermediary elements that project into the negative pressure cavity to provide mechanical interlocking with the eye tissue. These ribs serve as a mediator between the vacuum sealing function and the anti-rotation requirement, enabling both functions to coexist without interfering with each other's effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a suction ring with sealing lips is used, then fluidic sealing is achieved, but relative motion between patient interface and patient eye occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluidic sealingVSAvoidprevention of relative motion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function and motion prevention function are segmented into separate structural elements: the circumferential sealing lip maintains fluidic sealing while the central rib members prevent relative motion. This separation allows each element to specialize in its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-rotation ribs extend in a third dimension (radially into the negative pressure cavity) rather than relying solely on the circumferential sealing lip. This dimensional addition provides mechanical interlocking that prevents relative motion while the sealing lip maintains fluidic sealing integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If vacuum coupling is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but defined coupling and prevention of unintended beam exposure is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidcoupling definition and beam exposure control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: the circumferential sealing lip for vacuum attachment, the central rib members for rotational constraint, and the optical passage for precise beam delivery. This segmentation ensures that each component contributes to a specific aspect of secure and defined coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rib members are arranged asymmetrically relative to the optical passage, creating a mechanical lock that prevents rotation while maintaining precise alignment for the optical beam. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the coupling is both secure and definitionally precise for beam exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 solution ensures a secure and stable coupling of the patient interface to the eye, preventing relative motion and leakage, thereby ensuring consistent and intended exposure to therapeutic beams.

Implementation Method 1

The patient interface can be coupled to the patient eye by means of a vacuum and a negative-pressure cavity of the patient interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

rib members that project separately from each other from the top wall into the negative pressure cavity between the circumferential outer wall and the optical passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10799107B2Ophthalmological patient interface

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 ZIEMER OPHTHALMIC SYST

AI summary

Disclosed is a patient interface for affixment on onto a patient eye, said patient interface includinga negative pressure cavity with a top wall and a circumferential outer wall,an optical passage,wherein the top wall circumferentially surrounds the optical passage and wherein the circumferential outer wall projects from the top wall and circumferentially surrounds the optical passage;a number of rib members, the rib members projecting separately from each other from the top wall into the negative pressure cavity between the circumferential outer wall and the optical passage.