Soft Tip IOL Plunger With Dimple Pocket to Prevent Lens Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soft tip plungers for intraocular lens (IOL) delivery can cause damage to the IOL during insertion due to their solid cylinder design, particularly crushing the gusset and trailing haptic extensions.
Innovation Solution
A plunger with a soft tip featuring a dimple and pocket geometry is used to engage and advance the IOL, providing a cushioning effect that prevents damage during delivery, utilizing a combination of rigid and soft materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a solid cylinder plunger design is used, then the plunger can effectively engage and advance the IOL, but it causes damage to the IOL components (crushing the gusset and trailing haptic extensions)
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger tip is designed with a dimple at its distal end, creating a localized soft region that contacts the IOL lens portion. This local quality change allows the plunger to maintain engagement force while distributing pressure to prevent crushing of the gusset and trailing haptic extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger is constructed with a composite structure featuring a rigid shaft made of rigid material and a soft tip made of soft material. This composite design provides both the structural integrity needed for advancement and the cushioning properties needed to protect IOL components from damage.
2Strength
If a rigid plunger is used, then the plunger can maintain structural integrity during insertion, but it cannot provide cushioning protection for the IOL components
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger combines rigid material for the shaft to maintain structural integrity during insertion through the incision, and soft material for the tip to provide cushioning protection for the IOL components. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction between strength and cushioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft tip is positioned at the distal end of the plunger where direct contact with the IOL occurs, while the shaft remains rigid. This local quality differentiation allows the plunger to have both rigid structural integrity and soft cushioning properties where needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the plunger tip is made entirely soft, then the IOL components are protected from damage, but the plunger cannot effectively engage and advance the IOL through the incision
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger uses composite materials with a rigid shaft for effective engagement and advancement force, and a soft tip for protection of IOL components. The rigid portion provides the necessary mechanical strength while the soft portion provides protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger tip features a localized soft region at the distal end that contacts the IOL, while the rest of the plunger shaft remains rigid. This local quality change allows the plunger to both protect the IOL and maintain sufficient engagement force for advancement.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye, may be provided. An apparatus includes a plunger and a plunger tip. The plunger tip includes a dimple positioned at a distal end of the plunger tip. The plunger tip further includes a pocket in fluid communication with the dimple.