Suspended Eye Model With Flexible Coupling for Natural Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical training methods, such as textbooks and videos, fail to adequately develop the dexterity required for surgeries involving the eye, and animal models or cadavers are limited in simulating the natural movement and suspension of the eye, complicating procedures like trabeculectomy.
Innovation Solution
A surgical model comprising an eyeball, a frame, and a suspension system with a flexible peripheral coupling that mimics the natural range of motion and resistance of the eye, allowing movement in six degrees of freedom, using materials like polymeric, natural, or composite materials to simulate the eye's natural movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If animal models or cadavers are used for surgical training, then hands-on surgical training is provided, but the natural movement and suspension of the eye cannot be adequately simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The eye model incorporates a dynamic suspension system with elastic elements that allow the eyeball to move freely in six degrees of freedom, dynamically replicating the natural movement and suspension of the human eye during surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The model uses elastic elements with specific stiffness parameters to simulate the mechanical properties of natural eye suspension tissues, creating realistic resistance and movement characteristics that match human eye behavior during surgery
2Ease of manufacture
If simple models of the eye are used, then the structure is easy to manufacture, but the range of motion and resistance to movement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The model employs flexible elastic elements and membranes to create a simple yet realistic suspension system that provides authentic eye movement and resistance characteristics without complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
By carefully selecting elastic materials with appropriate stiffness parameters, the model achieves realistic movement resistance and range of motion while maintaining structural simplicity and ease of manufacturing
3Stability of the object's composition
If the eye is immobilized using traction sutures, then movement during surgery is reduced, but trauma to the eye increases
Solution Approach 1:
The model creates a copy of natural eye suspension mechanics using elastic elements that replicate the behavior of orbital tissues, allowing surgeons to practice on a model that moves naturally without requiring immobilization techniques that cause trauma
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 model enhances surgical training by accurately replicating the eye's natural movement, reducing the need for traction sutures and preparing surgeons for anticipating eye movements during procedures, thereby decreasing trauma.
Implementation Method 1
a peripheral coupling annularly surrounding the eyeball, connected to the eyeball and extending towards the frame, and formed of a material that can be flexed side to side and upwards and downwards to enable the connected eyeball to be movable in three dimensions when an external force is applied to the eyeball
Data Source
AI summary
An eye model for simulating surgery has an eyeball portion suspended within a frame. The suspension has a flexible material connected to the eyeball and the frame which flexes when the eyeball is pushed during a surgical simulation, so that the eyeball can be moved within a range of motion corresponding to the range of motion of the natural eye, and also so that when the force is applied to the eyeball the eyeball resists displacement with a force similar to resistance of the natural eye.