Phaco Probe Cartridge Clip Coupling for Stable Fluidic Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current phacoemulsification systems lack an efficient mechanism for reversibly coupling a fluid-dynamics cartridge with the probe body, which is crucial for regulating fluid flow during eye surgery, leading to potential instability and difficulty in maintaining fluidic communication.

Innovation Solution

A medical probe design featuring a cartridge with a valve system and a clip mechanism that allows for reversible coupling with the probe body, providing tactile and auditory feedback to indicate locked or unlocked positions, ensuring secure fluidic communication and easy disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed coupling mechanism is used to connect the cartridge with the probe body, then the fluidic connection is stable, but the device cannot be easily disconnected or reconfigured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereversible coupling capabilityVSAvoidfluidic connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is divided into separate components: a clip element and a cartridge element, allowing the system to be segmented into detachable parts while maintaining secure connection when assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic reversible connection, allowing the system to switch between connected and disconnected states as needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a simple clip mechanism is used to couple the cartridge, then the device is easy to assemble and disassemble, but the connection may be unstable or insecure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly easeVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clip element is disposed around the cartridge element in a nested configuration, with the clip surrounding the cartridge body to provide secure circumferential engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The U-shaped clip and rounded engagement surfaces provide curved geometric interfaces that facilitate smooth assembly and secure connection through conformal contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If the cartridge is permanently attached to the probe body, then the fluidic communication is always maintained, but the device cannot be easily cleaned or sterilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning and sterilization easeVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into removable cartridge and permanent probe body components, allowing the cartridge to be detached for cleaning and sterilization while leaving the probe body intact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20220339033A1Coupling a fluid-dynamics cartridge with a phacoemulsifier probe body

Publication Date: 2022.10.27 JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION INC

AI summary

A medical probe includes a probe body shaped to define a distal section of a fluid channel, a cartridge, which is shaped to define a proximal section of the fluid channel and comprises a valve configured to regulate flow of a fluid through the proximal section of the fluid channel, and a clip configured to reversibly couple the cartridge with the probe body by sliding over the probe body and the cartridge while the cartridge contacts the probe body such that the proximal section of the fluid channel is in fluidic communication with the distal section of the fluid channel. Other embodiments are also described.