Spring-Driven Lens Delivery Mechanism for Controlled Nozzle Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery devices for viscous substances or small objects, such as intraocular lenses (IOLs), face challenges in precise and controlled deployment due to high friction, sudden force drops, and operator control issues, leading to potential ocular injuries and mechanical complexity, particularly in manually operated devices.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device with a plunger mechanism utilizing stored energy, a release mechanism, and an actuator for controlled energy release, allowing smooth and controlled deployment of objects through a nozzle, featuring a locking mechanism and intuitive operation with visual indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manually operated screw-based delivery devices are used, then operator control is improved, but delivery speed becomes slow and rotational movements cause undesirable nozzle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual screw-based mechanical system with a spring-driven linear actuation system. The spring mechanism converts rotational actuator movement into linear plunger movement, eliminating the need for rotational movements during delivery and enabling faster, more controlled deployment without the drawbacks of screw-based systems.
2Ease of operation
If high force is applied to push the lens through the nozzle, then delivery control is improved, but sudden force drop causes operator loss of control and potential ocular injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-based dynamic system that provides progressive force delivery. The spring mechanism naturally modulates the force applied to the lens, maintaining control during the high-friction passage through the nozzle and automatically reducing force as the lens exits, preventing sudden force drops and operator loss of control.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as a cushioning element that stores energy during compression and releases it gradually. This beforehand cushioning effect smooths out force transitions, preventing abrupt force changes that could cause operator loss of control or ocular injury when the lens exits the nozzle.
3Ease of operation
If electrically driven or hydraulically driven delivery mechanisms are used, then one hand is freed for assistance, but devices become heavy, mechanically complex, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-driven mechanism is self-contained and self-actuating. Once the spring is compressed during the priming phase, it automatically provides the driving force for lens delivery without requiring external power sources, complex control systems, or additional operational steps, thereby achieving simplicity while freeing the operator's hand.
4Ease of operation
If rotational movements are made to operate screw-based devices, then delivery control is improved, but nozzle movement causes eye tissue tearing adjacent the incision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-based rotational mechanism with a spring-driven linear actuation system. The actuator moves linearly to compress the spring, which then drives linear plunger movement. This eliminates rotational movements entirely, preventing nozzle rotation and the associated risk of eye tissue tearing during lens delivery.
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 device ensures safe, controlled, and efficient delivery of viscous substances or objects with reduced operator effort, minimizing the risk of injury and mechanical complexity, while maintaining precision and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged for storing mechanical energy and for providing a driving force, when the spring force is released, for driving the plunger
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery device includes a delivery portion with a nozzle for delivery of an object and/or material through the nozzle, a barrel coupled to the delivery portion, and a plunger received within the barrel. The plunger may include a plunger tip to engage with the object and/or material, for delivery thereof through the nozzle; a plunger driver to drive the plunger tip to deliver the object and/or material; a stored energy source providing a drive force to the plunger driver when released for driving the plunger driver and corresponding movement of the plunger tip; a release mechanism for providing a controlled release of the stored energy; and an actuator to control the release mechanism to induce the controlled release of the stored energy. The plunger tip driver may operate between: the plunger driver is disengaged from the plunger tip; and the plunger driver is engaged with the plunger tip element.