Intraocular Shunt Deployment Mechanism for Precision Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular shunt deployment devices experience movement issues during deployment, leading to improper placement of the shunt within the eye due to multiple moving components, which can result in irreversible damage and blindness.
Innovation Solution
A deployment device with a housing and a hollow shaft, utilizing a two-stage deployment mechanism where rotational movement is translated into axial movement to minimize device movement, ensuring proper shunt placement, featuring a pusher component for partial deployment and a retraction component for complete deployment, with indicators for operator feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple moving components are used in the deployment device to deploy the shunt, then the shunt can be deployed from the device, but the position of the deployment device shifts during deployment, leading to improper placement of the shunt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotational deployment mechanism where the operator rotates the deployment device to deploy the shunt. This rotational motion is converted into axial movement through a cam mechanism or similar conversion mechanism, allowing the shunt to be deployed without requiring the entire device to move axially. The dynamic conversion from rotational to linear motion enables precise shunt placement while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension to the deployment process. Instead of moving the deployment device axially to deploy the shunt (one-dimensional movement), the operator rotates the device (adding a rotational dimension), and this rotational motion is converted into controlled axial movement of the shunt deployment. This dimensional change allows for more precise control over shunt placement.
2Manufacturing precision
If rotational movement is used to deploy the shunt, then axial movement of the deployment device is minimized, but the mechanism requires translation of rotational movement into axial movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cam mechanism or similar intermediary component to convert rotational motion into axial movement. The cam profile is specifically designed to translate the operator's rotational input into controlled linear displacement of the shunt. This intermediary mechanism provides a reliable and predictable motion conversion while maintaining a relatively compact device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a purely mechanical axial movement system with a rotational-to-linear conversion system. Instead of moving the entire deployment device axially to deploy the shunt, the system uses rotational input that is mechanically converted into the necessary axial displacement. This substitution reduces the complexity of controlling axial movement while maintaining deployment precision.
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
The solution ensures precise placement of the intraocular shunt by minimizing axial movement of the deployment device, reducing the risk of improper placement and associated eye damage, while allowing for automated or manual operation and integration with robotic systems.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the deployment mechanism results in deployment of the shunt. Such rotational movement is translated into axial movement for deploying the shunt from the device
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for using an intraocular shunt deployment device to deploy an intraocular shunt from the device and into an eye.