Surgical Cassette Zeroing Feature Optical Chamber Bottom Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems lack an effective method to accurately determine the fluid levels in surgical cassette chambers, particularly for calibrating when the cassette is empty, which is crucial for ophthalmic surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a surgical cassette with a zeroing feature and a console that uses a sensor array and light sources to non-invasively measure the vertical location of the bottom surface of the chamber by projecting light and detecting illumination patterns, allowing for indirect measurement of fluid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement of chamber bottom surface is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a zeroing feature as an intermediary element that serves as a reference point for light transmission. This mediator allows the system to indirectly determine chamber bottom surface location by measuring the position of the zeroing feature and applying a known offset distance, avoiding direct measurement of the chamber bottom while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical or invasive measurement methods with an optical measurement system. Light sources and sensors detect the zeroing feature's position through non-contact optical means, substituting complex mechanical measurement apparatus with a simpler optical field-based system
2Measurement precision
If invasive measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The zeroing feature is integrated into the cassette structure itself, allowing the cassette to provide its own calibration reference point. The system automatically detects the zeroing feature upon cassette insertion and performs self-calibration, eliminating the need for manual invasive measurement procedures by the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The zeroing feature acts as a built-in mediator that enables non-invasive optical detection of chamber geometry. This intermediary element allows the system to determine fluid levels accurately through light transmission without requiring physical contact or complex operational procedures
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 method provides a high degree of confidence in measuring the locations of the bottom of cassette chambers non-invasively, enabling accurate calibration and fluid level determination for surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of vertically arranged light sources can project light with at least one of the plurality of light sources positioned to project a light ray along a transmission path to the sensor array via the zeroing feature
Implementation Method 2
The sensor array can have a plurality of vertically arranged portions to receive light and generate an output that indicates an illumination amount of each of the vertically arranged portions
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for determining the location of the bottom of a fluid chamber in a surgical cassette to calibrate the surgical system. According to one embodiment, the surgical cassette is shaped to allow light from a light source to pass unobstructed to a linear sensor array in an area that is a known distance from the bottom of a fluid chamber. Light rays intersected by solid cassette material, on the other hand, will insufficiently illuminate the linear sensor array. Because the slot is a known distance from the bottom of the chamber, the location of the bottom of the chamber can be determined by determining the transition between illuminated and insufficiently illuminated portions of the linear sensor array.