Ultrasonic Tonometer Dynamic Pressure Control for Cornea Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic tonometers face challenges in properly irradiating the cornea with ultrasonic waves, leading to inaccurate eye pressure measurements due to noise interference and rapid changes in cornea deformation signals.

Innovation Solution

The ultrasonic tonometer includes an ultrasonic actuator with an ultrasonic element that irradiates the eye with a controlled ultrasonic wave, and current adjustment means to stabilize the sound pressure or acoustic radiation pressure, ensuring proper cornea deformation and accurate measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the ultrasonic wave intensity is increased to properly irradiate the cornea, then the cornea deformation can be detected, but the noise in the detection signal increases and measurement accuracy degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeye pressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidnoise in detection signal

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the ultrasonic wave intensity variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the intensity of ultrasonic waves based on real-time detection of corneal deformation state, allowing the system to adapt to different eye pressure conditions and optimize the balance between sufficient irradiation and noise control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the detection unit to continuously monitor the corneal deformation state and feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the ultrasonic wave intensity based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal measurement conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the ultrasonic wave intensity is decreased to reduce noise, then the detection signal becomes more stable, but the cornea cannot be properly irradiated and measurement accuracy degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise in detection signalVSAvoideye pressure measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts ultrasonic intensity based on detected corneal deformation, ensuring that sufficient intensity is applied when needed for proper irradiation while reducing intensity when noise would interfere with measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the intensity parameter of ultrasonic waves based on the detected corneal deformation state. The control unit modifies this parameter in real-time to maintain optimal conditions for both proper irradiation and noise reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the measurement process is accelerated to reduce examination time, then productivity improves, but the detection signal changes rapidly and noise interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoideye pressure measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic intensity adjustment to rapidly achieve corneal deformation while controlling noise. By responding quickly to detection feedback and adjusting intensity in real-time, the system maintains measurement accuracy even during accelerated measurement processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic detection and adjustment cycles where the detection unit continuously monitors corneal deformation and the control unit periodically adjusts ultrasonic intensity. This periodic action enables rapid measurement while maintaining precision through consistent feedback control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 configuration allows for stable and accurate measurement of eye pressure by ensuring consistent cornea deformation and reducing noise interference, thereby improving the reliability of ultrasonic tonometry.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic actuator having an ultrasonic element and configured to irradiate the examinee's eye with the ultrasonic wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 2

an ultrasonic actuator having an ultrasonic element and configured to irradiate the examinee's eye with the ultrasonic wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12207880B2Ultrasonic tonometer

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 NIDEK CO LTD

AI summary

An ultrasonic tonometer for measuring the eye pressure of an examinee's eye by means of an ultrasonic wave includes an ultrasonic actuator having an ultrasonic element and configured to irradiate the examinee's eye with the ultrasonic wave, and current adjustment means configured to adjust a current applied to the ultrasonic element to control the sound pressure or acoustic radiation pressure of the ultrasonic wave. With this configuration, the ultrasonic tonometer solving at least one of typical problems can be provided. For example, the ultrasonic tonometer capable of properly irradiating the examinee's eye with the ultrasonic wave can be provided.