Single-Handed Eyelid Eversion Tool With Disposable Grippers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for imaging meibomian glands, particularly the upper lid, are cumbersome and often require the use of both hands, leading to incomplete assessments, with the lower lid being more commonly imaged due to the difficulty in everting the upper lid.
Innovation Solution
An eyelid eversion tool with a first and second arm, each equipped with a gripper, and a common joint end, allowing for single-handed operation and easy rotation, along with disposable grippers that facilitate secure grip and eversion of the upper eyelid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual methods (Q-tip and finger) are used to evert the upper eyelid, then the operator can grasp the eyelid, but the procedure becomes cumbersome requiring both hands and multiple steps, reducing efficiency and completeness of examination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grasping function and the eversion lever function into a single integrated tool. The tool includes a grasping tip that secures the eyelid and a lever arm that provides mechanical advantage for eversion, eliminating the need to use separate hands for grasping and manipulation as in traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The tool introduces an intermediary mechanical structure (the lever arm with extender tab) that mediates between the operator's hand and the eyelid. This intermediary provides mechanical advantage and control, making the eversion process easier and more efficient compared to direct manual manipulation
2Ease of operation
If the operator uses both hands to evert the upper eyelid with traditional methods, then grasping is possible, but the operator must reach around the meibographer, bringing the patient forward to rest on forehead and chin rest, then bring the lid into focus, increasing time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with the grasping tip and lever arm pre-positioned and integrated, allowing the operator to perform the eversion action in a single continuous motion without the sequential steps required by traditional methods (reaching around, adjusting patient position, then imaging)
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional two-handed manual eversion is used, then the eyelid can be manipulated, but the complexity of the procedure increases and often results in only the lower lid being assessed and imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The tool design allows for disposable grippers to be attached to the lever arm, separating the disposable contact elements from the reusable tool body. This segmentation simplifies the procedure by allowing quick replacement of grippers and reduces the complexity of sterilization and setup
Data Source
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AI summary
An eyelid eversion tool and a pair of disposable grippers for use with an eyelid eversion tool is described. The eyelid eversion tool includes a first arm and a second arm extending from a common joint end, the arms each, respectively, having a distal end opposite the common joint end; a first gripper fitted to the distal end of the first arm, the first gripper having a contact surface on an inward facing side thereof; and a second gripper fitted to the distal end of the second arm, the second gripper having a contact surface on an inward facing side thereof, where the contact surfaces face each other and are spaced apart, and the contact surfaces come into contact when the arms are compressed together, and where at least one of the grippers has an extender tab protruding from an outward facing side opposite its contact surface.