Removable Cap Actuation for IOL Cartridge Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intraocular lens (IOL) delivery systems lack efficient mechanisms for folding and delivering IOLs during cataract surgery, often requiring manual manipulation and risking user errors due to improper sequencing.

Innovation Solution

A removable cap actuation system for an IOL cartridge that folds the IOL upon removal, integrating a sliding mechanism within the cartridge to manipulate the lens upon cap removal, allowing for standardized attachment to various handpieces with different drive mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual manipulation is used for IOL folding and delivery, then the system can be simple in structure, but user errors increase due to improper sequencing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereduction of user errorsVSAvoidcomplexity of actuation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is pre-configured with actuator-engaging features that automatically initiate the folding sequence when removed. The actuator is pre-positioned to engage specific folding elements in the correct sequence, ensuring proper IOL folding before delivery without requiring manual manipulation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cap removal action itself performs the folding function through the actuator mechanism. As the cap is removed, the actuator automatically engages and drives the folding sequence, making the system self-actuating and eliminating the need for separate manual folding operations by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a removable cap actuation system is integrated, then proper folding and delivery are ensured, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproper folding and deliveryVSAvoidcomplexity of cartridge mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is designed with a universal interface that can engage with different cap configurations and drive various folding mechanisms. This multi-functional actuator can accommodate different IOL types and folding sequences while maintaining the same basic mechanism, reducing overall system complexity despite the added reliability features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standardized attachment to various handpieces is implemented, then interchangeability and ease-of-use are enhanced, but the adaptability requirements increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterchangeability of handpiecesVSAvoidcomplexity of interface mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge incorporates a standardized attachment interface that can connect to multiple handpiece types with different drive mechanisms. This universal interface design allows the same cartridge to be used with various drive systems (manual, motorized, foot-pedal actuated) without modifying the cartridge itself, enhancing versatility while maintaining relatively simple interface mechanics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4017414B1Removable cap actuation system for an intraocular lens cartridge
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ALCON INC
  • EP4017414B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4017414B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4017414B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for removably attaching a drive mechanism handpiece to an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge that folds the IOL upon removal of a cap, are provided. The IOL cartridge comprises a nozzle and a housing comprising a slide. A compartment configured to receive an IOL is disposed within the housing. An interior portion of the slide is exposed to the compartment. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment. The cap covers the nozzle and the slide. The cap is configured to expose the nozzle and advance the slide to fold the IOL upon removal of the cap.