Parallel Light Curtain for Fluid Level Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic surgical systems lack a reliable and accurate method for monitoring fluid levels in surgical cassettes, which is crucial for precise control of aspiration and irrigation flows during cataract removal procedures, as existing sensors are either simple 'On/Off' switches, prone to contamination, or require expensive optical devices susceptible to inaccuracies due to foaming and ambient light.
Innovation Solution
A continuous high-resolution fluid-level monitoring system using a point light source, parabolic reflector, and sensor array that generates a parallel light curtain to illuminate a surgical fluid chamber, allowing for accurate detection and processing of fluid levels without physical contamination, utilizing a detection/processing/control system to determine the fluid level within the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical sensors are used for fluid level detection, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but the sensors are susceptible to inaccuracies due to foaming and ambient light
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple discrete sensing elements arranged in an array configuration. Each element detects light intensity at a specific position, and the collective output from all elements provides continuous fluid level information. This segmentation allows for more robust measurement that is less susceptible to ambient light variations and foaming interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electrical fluid level sensors with an optical detection system. By using light interaction with the fluid interface, the system achieves continuous fluid level monitoring without physical contact with the surgical fluid, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining accuracy despite foaming or ambient light conditions.
2Device complexity
If electrical probes are used for fluid level sensing, then the system is simple and reliable, but the sensor provides only On/Off information without continuous measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional binary (On/Off) detection to multi-dimensional continuous measurement. The sensor array provides spatial resolution along the fluid interface, converting a simple presence/absence signal into a detailed profile of fluid level across multiple positions. This dimensional expansion enables continuous monitoring while maintaining system simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasound transducers are mounted within the chamber for fluid level monitoring, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but the transducer cannot be allowed to come into contact with the fluid due to sterility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for fluid level detection. Instead of mounting transducers directly in the fluid chamber, the system uses optical elements (light source and sensor array) that interact with the fluid interface remotely. This intermediary approach enables continuous monitoring while maintaining sterility, as the optical components do not require direct contact with the surgical fluid.
4Quantity of substance
If a larger reservoir is used in the cassette, then more storage capacity is provided, but the response time of the system is slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous fluid level monitoring system provides real-time feedback to the control console about the exact fluid level in the reservoir. This enables dynamic adjustment of aspiration and irrigation rates to optimize both reservoir utilization and system response time. The feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain large storage capacity while responding quickly to changing surgical conditions through active control.
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 optical method provides precise, continuous monitoring of fluid levels, preventing contamination and improving the accuracy and reliability of fluid management in ophthalmic surgical devices, enabling better control of vacuum and irrigation processes during cataract removal procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The point light source illumines a parabolic reflector wherein the point light source is located at the focus of the parabolic reflector. The parabolic reflector reflects light from the point light source to produce a parallel light curtain.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor array coupled to the chamber detects the parallel light curtain illuminating the chamber. The sensor array provides an output to a detection/processing/control system in order to determine the fluid level within the chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous high resolution fluid level monitoring system is provided by embodiments of the present invention. This continuous high resolution fluid level monitoring system includes a unique fluid level sensor having a point light source, parabolic reflector, sensor array, and detection, processing and control system. The point light source illumines a parabolic reflector wherein the point light source is located at the focus of the parabolic reflector. The parabolic reflector reflects light from the point light source to produce a parallel light curtain. This parallel light curtain is parallel to an axis of symmetry of the parabolic reflector. The parallel light curtain illumines a chamber such as a chamber in an ophthalmic surgical device used to contain surgical fluid. The sensor array coupled to the chamber detects the parallel light curtain illuminating the chamber. The sensor array provides an output to a detection/processing/control system in order to determine the fluid level within the chamber. This optical method of determining the surgical fluid levels may be advantageous in that it prevents physical contamination of the surgical fluids.