Intraocular Pressure Probe Magnetization for Speed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring intraocular pressure, such as those involving a probe propelled to contact the eye, often have insufficient probe speed due to low magnetization, leading to inaccurate measurements, especially in non-cooperative patients like small children or animals.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a probe with a non-magnetic front part and a magnetizable back part, where the back part is magnetized using coils before impact, ensuring a high enough speed for accurate measurements by inducing sufficient magnetization, and the measurement is taken before the magnetization decreases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the probe is propelled using a coil and permanent magnet with conventional magnetization, then the apparatus can measure intraocular pressure, but the probe speed is insufficient for accurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is magnetized in advance before each measurement using the coil system. This preliminary magnetization ensures that the probe achieves sufficient velocity when propelled toward the eye, resolving the contradiction between achieving high probe speed and maintaining measurement accuracy. The magnetization is performed just before use to ensure optimal performance.
2Measurement precision
If the probe speed is increased to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the magnetization requirements become more demanding and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coil system serves dual functions: it acts as both the propelling mechanism and the magnetization device. By utilizing the same coil for both propulsion and magnetization, the invention avoids adding separate complex magnetization equipment, thus improving measurement precision through adequate probe speed while minimizing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tonometry methods are used requiring patient cooperation, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but it cannot be applied to small children, persons with dementia, or animals
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical contact-based tonometry methods with a probe propulsion system that uses electromagnetic forces. This substitution eliminates the need for patient cooperation in maintaining contact or positioning, as the probe is propelled at controlled velocity to contact the eye briefly and rebound. The system can thus be used on small children, persons with dementia, or animals while maintaining operational simplicity through automated propulsion and measurement.
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 approach allows for precise and economical measurement of intraocular pressure in all patients, including those unable to cooperate, with improved accuracy and reliability due to the increased probe speed and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
inducing magnetization into the back part of the probe by means of one or more coils before the probe is put into movement against the eye
Implementation Method 2
The probe is propelled by means of a coil and a permanent magnet, whereby a current flowing through the coil causes a repelling force in the magnet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method of the invention is used for measuring intraocular pressure by means of an apparatus, which includes a probe (4) supported in a case, one coil (50) around the probe for giving the probe (4) a specific velocity in order to bring it in contact with the surface of the eye, and another coil (60) for performing measurement and setting functions, means for processing and displaying the measurement data and means for controlling operations. The probe (4) is formed of a non-magnetic front part (41) and a back part (42). The method is mainly characterized by inducing magnetization into the back part (42) of the probe by means of one or more coils (50, 60) before the probe (4) is put into movement against the eye for the measurement.