Capsular Tension Ring Injector With Dual-Threshold Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injectors for capsular tension rings often experience premature release, making them unusable or requiring users to reposition the ring, which complicates cleaning and sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A disposable injector design with a housing, plunger, and spring mechanism that guides the tension ring into place using a dual-channel guide system with distinct resistance thresholds to prevent accidental activation and ensure secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is used to automatically load the tension ring into the injector, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of premature release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tension ring is pre-loaded onto the plunger in a packaged state before use. The guide element is pre-positioned in the guide channel with engagement features that secure the ring during transport and storage, ensuring it is ready for automatic deployment without requiring user assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channel incorporates variable resistance thresholds along its length - a first threshold that is easily surmountable for proper loading, and a second higher threshold that prevents accidental premature release. The spring mechanism parameters are calibrated to provide sufficient force for legitimate activation while being restrained by the dual-threshold guide system
2Manufacturing precision
If the tension ring is supplied packaged outside the injector with engagement with a hook element, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tension ring is nested within the injector housing in a compact packaged state. The ring engages with the hook element and is contained within the guide channel structure, allowing the entire assembly to be supplied as a single integrated unit that automatically deploys when activated
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channel is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first channel part for receiving the guide element, a wall part with engagement features, and a second channel part that directs the ring into the throughfeed channel. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity
3Reliability
If a lock is arranged on the outer side of the injector to prevent undesired sliding, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from a separate external lock mechanism and integrated directly into the guide channel structure. The wall part with its engagement features and the resistance thresholds are built into the guide channel itself, eliminating the need for separate locking components on the injector exterior
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 solution effectively prevents premature release of the tension ring, enhancing the injector's usability and simplifying cleaning and sterilization processes by providing a reliable and easy-to-use mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism which co-acts with the plunger and which is configured to displace the plunger from a starting state, in which the engaging means engages on the capsular tension ring, to an activating state in which the capsular tension ring is carried inward substantially into the throughfeed channel of the injector
Data Source
AI summary
An injector for introducing a capsular tension ring and intended for once-only use, and a method for manufacturing such an injector. The injector includes: a housing extending in longitudinal direction of the injector, and a throughfeed channel. A plunger is arranged movably in the channel and includes an engaging means for engaging the capsular tension ring, and further includes a guide element on a guide arm. A spring mechanism co-acts with the plunger and is configured to displace the plunger from a starting state, in which the engaging means engages the capsular tension ring, to an activating state in which the capsular tension ring is carried inward into the throughfeed channel. The housing has a guide with first and second channel parts, and a wall part for carrying the guide element from the first to the second channel part, and the first channel part is provided with a resistance threshold.