Straight Channel IOL Holder for Stress-Free Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IOL injector systems are complex, prone to contamination, and can cause errors during IOL insertion due to the need for manual manipulation and potential centrifugal motion, leading to improper placement and potential damage to the lens.

Innovation Solution

A simplified IOL holder container and injector system with a straight channel IOL holder that snaps into the injector, featuring a soft elastic cushion and lubricating coating to guide the IOL through the injection channel without stress, ensuring easy handling and minimizing contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a complex assembly with moving parts and twisting mechanisms is used to position the IOL holder, then the IOL can be injected, but the device complexity increases and the risk of centrifugal motion expelling the IOL rises

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIOL injection capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes all unnecessary moving parts, twisting mechanisms, and complex assembly components from the IOL holder. The holder is designed as a simple, static structure with a straight channel that snaps directly into the injector, eliminating the source of centrifugal motion while maintaining injection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into simple, discrete components: a static IOL holder with a straight channel, a snap-fit mounting interface, and a plunger mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function without unnecessary complexity or potential for harmful motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If manual manipulation and complex assembly are required, then the IOL can be placed in the holder, but the risk of contamination and errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIOL placement capabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The IOL is pre-positioned in the holder's straight channel in a sterile environment before injection. The holder is designed to receive the pre-folded IOL and transport it directly to the injection site without requiring manual manipulation during the injection process, thereby maintaining sterility and reducing errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The straight channel structure automatically guides and positions the IOL during injection without requiring manual intervention. The IOL simply follows the path of least resistance through the straight channel, eliminating the need for complex manipulation that could introduce contamination or errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the IOL is subjected to stress during manipulation and injection, then the IOL can be injected, but the risk of lens damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection efficiencyVSAvoidlens integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the channel from curved or twisted to straight, eliminating stress points and force concentrations that could damage the IOL. The straight channel ensures uniform force distribution from the plunger, maintaining lens integrity while enabling efficient injection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The design inherently cushions the IOL by providing a smooth, straight pathway that prevents sudden force application or mechanical stress. The simple snap-fit connection and straight channel geometry act as passive protective elements that prevent damage before injection occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2598083B1Intraocular lens injector system
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 OCULENTIS HOLDING BV
  • EP2598083B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2598083B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2598083B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5a

AI summary

An IOL (intraocular lens) injector system comprises an IOL injector (2); an IOL holder (3) for holding an IOL (4); and an IOL holder container (100) for holding said IOL holder holding said IOL. The IOL injector comprises an injection channel and a plunger (23) movable down said channel; and an IOL holder receiving space (11) for snappingly receiving said IOL holder, and the IOL holder is provided with a channel part (16) with a substantially straight channel running through said channel part, said channel of said IOL holder forming part of said injection channel of said IOL injector when said IOL holder is snapped into said receiving space of said IOL injector in line with said injection channel, said IOL being provided in said channel of said IOL holder when holding said IOL; and opposite openings for allowing said IOL to pass, in operation allowing said plunger to urge said IOL out of said IOL holder and through said injection channel The IOL holder container has a reservoir for holding a storage liquid and said IOL holder holding an IOL; closing walls in said reservoir for closing said opposite openings of said IOL holder; and retaining parts in said reservoir for holding said IOL holder. A method for providing an IOL injector with an IOL using the above IOL injector system comprises the steps of opening said IOL holder container; grabbing said IOL holder holding said IOL and taking it out of said IOL holder container; and positioning said IOL holder holding said IOL in said receiving space of said IOL injector.