Spring-Loaded Patient Interface Coupling for Laser Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interface systems for laser surgery face challenges in simple coupling and reliable positioning of the patient's eye relative to the laser device, as rigid connections restrict movement and hinder compensation for manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface system with a spring-loaded engaging device that allows reversible coupling to a patient interface holder, enabling force and form-fit connections while allowing certain degrees of freedom, thus facilitating precise and stable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid coupling is used between patient interface and patient interface holder, then stable positioning is achieved, but coupling complexity increases and manufacturing tolerance compensation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the coupling from rigid to elastic by introducing a spring-loaded engaging body. This elastic coupling maintains positioning reliability through the spring force while reducing coupling complexity and enabling manufacturing tolerance compensation through the compliance of the elastic connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the coupling system through the spring-loaded engaging body that can compress and expand. This dynamic elastic coupling allows the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining stable positioning, avoiding the need for complex rigid coupling mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid coupling is used between patient interface and patient interface holder, then positioning stability is improved, but ease of coupling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical property from rigid to elastic, allowing the coupling to be easily engaged and disengaged by simple axial movements while maintaining positioning stability through the spring force. The elastic nature enables compliant connection without complex alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded engaging body provides dynamic compliance that facilitates easy coupling and decoupling operations. The elastic deformation absorbs alignment variations and reduces coupling force requirements, making the operation simpler while maintaining stable positioning during use.
3Measurement precision
If a rigid coupling is used between patient interface and patient interface holder, then positioning precision is maintained, but adaptability to manufacturing tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elastic compliance to the coupling system, allowing the spring-loaded engaging body to deform and accommodate manufacturing tolerances. This elastic coupling maintains positioning precision by providing a compliant connection that absorbs dimensional variations without requiring rigid precision in the mating surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic elastic coupling enables the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances through spring deformation. The elastic nature provides versatility in accommodating dimensional variations while maintaining positioning precision, allowing the coupling to work with a range of manufacturing tolerances without requiring tight tolerances.
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
This solution enables simple and reliable coupling of the patient interface to the holder, allowing for precise positioning of the patient's eye relative to the laser device while accommodating manufacturing tolerances, ensuring accurate and stable laser treatment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one engaging body (76a-c, 76a'-c'), which is spring-loaded and cooperates with an associated engaging surface (72a-c, 72a'-c') of the second positioning device (20) in the coupled state of the patient interface (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface system for positioning a patient's eye opposite a laser device for laser surgery is disclosed, including a patient interface for coupling to the patient's eye and a patient interface holder for arranging the patient interface on the laser device. The patient interface holder includes a holder device with an engaging device for reversibly coupling the patient interface to the patient interface holder, and to position the patient interface relative to the patient interface holder with a second positioning device. The engaging device has a spring-loaded engaging body that cooperates with an associated engaging surface of the second positioning device of the patient interface in the coupled state of the patient interface. A method for coupling a patient interface with a patient interface holder of a patient interface system, as well as a patient interface and a patient interface holder for a patient interface system are also disclosed.