Simulated Eye Model With Buoyancy-Driven Bubble Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing models for simulating ophthalmic surgery, particularly for laser-based glaucoma treatment, fail to effectively manage bubbles generated during procedures without puncturing the cornea or sclera, hindering reuse and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A simulated eye model with a bubble management system that includes a bubble reservoir and capture tube, allowing bubbles to be removed from the anterior chamber through rotation and buoyancy, without piercing the cornea or sclera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If bubbles are removed by puncturing the cornea or sclera, then bubble removal is effective, but the integrity and shape of the cornea is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The anterior chamber is segmented into two functional zones: a treatment zone (anterior chamber proper) and a collection zone (bubble reservoir). The capture tube creates a controlled interface between these zones, allowing bubbles to be separated and collected in the reservoir while the cornea remains intact. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing bubble removal functionality without compromising corneal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture tube acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates bubble transfer from the anterior chamber to the bubble reservoir without requiring corneal puncture. This intermediate pathway enables harmful bubble removal while preserving the integrity of the corneal barrier.
2Ease of manufacture
If the eye model is designed for single-use, then bubble management is simplified, but the cost and waste increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble reservoir is designed as a recoverable component that collects and contains bubbles after laser treatment. After the procedure, the reservoir can be emptied and the model refilled with fresh aqueous humor, allowing the expensive eye model to be reused multiple times. This recovering approach reduces waste and operational costs while maintaining effective bubble management.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a complex bubble removal system is added, then bubble management improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of actively pumping or suctioning bubbles out of the anterior chamber (complex active removal), the system inverts the approach by allowing bubbles to passively float into the bubble reservoir through the capture tube. This passive, buoyancy-driven design achieves effective bubble management with minimal mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble management system utilizes the natural buoyancy property of gas bubbles in liquid to achieve self-service bubble removal. Bubbles automatically rise and enter the capture tube without requiring external power sources, pumps, or complex control mechanisms, thereby minimizing device complexity while effectively managing harmful bubbles.
4Productivity
If the capture tube extends deeply into the anterior chamber, then bubble capture efficiency increases, but the risk of interfering with laser treatment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capture tube is designed with differentiated local qualities: it has a sufficient length to reach the posterior region of the anterior chamber for effective bubble capture, but its positioning and dimensions are optimized to avoid interfering with the laser treatment zone in the anterior region. This local optimization allows the tube to perform its bubble capture function while maintaining clear visibility and access for laser procedures.
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
Enables multiple uses of the simulated eye by effectively removing bubbles, maintaining clear visualization, and ensuring the integrity of the cornea's shape, thus facilitating accurate training and testing of laser-based procedures.
Implementation Method 1
buoyancy of the bubbles prevents them from traveling back to the capture tube and the anterior chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A simulated eye surgical model with a bubble management system that facilitates training of ophthalmic surgical procedures, such as laser-based glaucoma treatment. The simulated eye could also be used for marketing, startup procedures, go/no-go tests, etc. The eye model has a lower core, a corneal dome positioned above the lower core, and an anterior chamber under the corneal dome defining a floor. A bubble reservoir under the anterior chamber defined by the lower core has a capture tube opening to the anterior chamber. A bubble chamber open to the capture tube rises up above the capture tube lower end to an upper portion sealed off from the anterior chamber. The eye model may be rotated 360° about a horizontal axis to transfer bubbles from the anterior chamber to the bubble chamber. An alternative flow-through eye model provides active flushing of bubbles and particulate.