Tonometer Probe Segmentation for Cost and Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tonometers with single-piece, long probes are expensive and difficult to handle, making them impractical for accurate and hygienic intraocular pressure measurements.
Innovation Solution
A two-part, easily exchangeable probe construction where a magnetic shaft is guided by a detachable holder with a flange or whiskers, ensuring smooth movement and reducing contact resistance, allowing for cost-effective and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-piece long probe is used, then the probe structure is simple, but the cost increases and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into two separate parts: a holder that remains in the device and a probe tip that is detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the expensive probe tip to be made separately and replaced rather than discarding the entire probe, reducing cost while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a single-piece long probe is used, then the probe structure is simple, but handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the probe into a holder and a detachable tip, the design improves handling because the tip can be easily removed and replaced without manipulating the entire long probe structure, making the operation more convenient.
3Reliability
If a disposable probe is used, then hygiene is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into a reusable holder and a disposable tip. The tip is made of disposable material for hygiene, while the holder is reusable, reducing overall cost compared to disposing of the entire probe.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the probe tip is discarded after use, while the holder is recovered and reused. This selective discarding maintains hygiene requirements while significantly reducing cost compared to discarding the entire probe.
4Volume of stationary object
If the probe moves through a tight opening, then the device structure is compact, but the probe may catch on edges and affect measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A flange is added to the probe tip before it enters the tight opening. This flange acts as a guide that prevents the probe from catching on the edges of the opening, ensuring smooth movement and maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 two-part probe design enhances measurement accuracy, reduces costs, and improves handling by ensuring reliable probe movement and easy replacement, addressing the limitations of expensive and cumbersome single-piece probes.
Implementation Method 1
the movement of the probe and the changes in it being registered and the intraocular pressure being calculated from the data recorded... the movement is created in a conventional manner magnetically with the aid of coils
Implementation Method 2
the retention of the exchangeable probe 3 in the holder 4 is ensured by a small spring force, which is caused by the shape of the end of the probe, so that when the probe is pushed into the holder, the split 8 end of the shaft will compress slightly
Data Source
AI summary
The arrangement in a tonometer has a probe that is brought into contact with the surface of the eye and the intraocular pressure in the eye is derived from the variations in the velocity of the probe. The probe is formed of a piece of a non-magnetic substance. The arrangement includes a holder located in the tubular component and attached to a shaft providing the force for the measurement, in which holder there is a guiding means for guiding a movement of the probe along an internal surface of the tubular component.