Rebound Tonometer Probe Contact Detection via Induced Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rebound tonometers face issues with inaccurate alignment and potential harm to objects due to manual setup, varying forehead geometries, and the high cost and complexity of ultrasonic sensors, leading to unreliable measurements.
Innovation Solution
A rebound tonometer with a magnetic elongated probe, measurement and drive coils, and a controller that detects contact using induced voltage, allowing for automatic alignment and safe, reliable measurement cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used to position the rebound tonometer, then the device can be set up without complex automation systems, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates leading to unreliable measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an optical detection system. A light source and sensor detect the position of alignment marks on the tonometer relative to the eye, automatically determining proper positioning without manual intervention. This substitutes mechanical alignment procedures with optical sensing and automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alignment marks that create a visual copy or representation of the desired position. The optical system detects these marks to determine tonometer positioning, creating a graphical copy of the alignment state that can be processed automatically to ensure precise positioning.
2Measurement precision
If the rebound tonometer is positioned too close to the object, then measurement sensitivity may improve, but the risk of harmful contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment detection and positioning before the actual measurement is taken. The optical alignment system verifies proper positioning and safe distance before the rebound probe contacts the eye, ensuring that when measurement does occur, the tonometer is optimally positioned without excessive closeness that could cause harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical alignment system continuously monitors tonometer position relative to the eye. This feedback allows the system to adjust positioning to maintain optimal measurement conditions while preventing harmful proximity, creating a closed-loop safety and precision control system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the rebound tonometer is positioned too far from the object, then safety is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment detection and positioning before the actual measurement is taken. The optical alignment system verifies proper positioning and safe distance before the rebound probe contacts the eye, ensuring that when measurement does occur, the tonometer is optimally positioned without excessive closeness that could cause harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical alignment system continuously monitors tonometer position relative to the eye. This feedback allows the system to adjust positioning to maintain optimal measurement conditions while preventing harmful proximity, creating a closed-loop safety and precision control system.
4Device complexity
If holders are mechanically set on the rebound tonometer for alignment, then the device structure can be simple, but alignment precision deteriorates due to manual setup errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an optical detection system. A light source and sensor detect the position of alignment marks on the tonometer relative to the eye, automatically determining proper positioning without manual intervention. This substitutes mechanical alignment procedures with optical sensing and automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alignment marks that create a visual copy or representation of the desired position. The optical system detects these marks to determine tonometer positioning, creating a graphical copy of the alignment state that can be processed automatically to ensure precise positioning.
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
Ensures accurate and safe measurement of object properties by ensuring the probe aligns optimally before measurement, preventing damage and reducing costs through a simple, effective method.
Implementation Method 1
a drive coil arranged inside the body and to partially surround the magnetic elongated probe
Implementation Method 2
energizing the drive coil moves the magnetic elongated probe in respect to the body
Implementation Method 3
measuring a first induced voltage in the measurement coil as a function of time during a first time period
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
Disclosed is rebound tonometer comprising: body (102, 206, 302) having proximal end (110, 214) and distal end (112, 216), and opening (114) at proximal end; magnetic elongated probe (104, 208, 304) having first end (116, 218) protruding outside of body at first distance (D1) from opening, and second end (118, 220) inside body, said probe being aligned with and movable along axis (120) of rebound tonometer; measurement coil (106, 210, 306) and drive coil (108, 212, 308) arranged inside body and partially surrounding magnetic elongated probe; and controller (310) configured to: detect contact between object (204) and first end when rebound tonometer is in use, by: energising drive coil to move magnetic elongated probe to have first end at second distance (D2) from proximal end; measuring first induced voltage in measurement coil; and comparing said voltage with predetermined criterion; and initiate measurement cycle of rebound tonometer when contact is detected.