Vertical Fluidic Compression System for Ophthalmic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluidic systems used in surgical consoles for ophthalmic procedures are prone to disruptions due to power failures or mechanical faults, leading to unstable fluid flow and potential patient complications. Additionally, current systems require a large footprint due to the orientation of linear slide compression mechanisms, increasing the size of the surgical console.
Innovation Solution
A compact compression system is designed for surgical consoles, featuring a squeeze plate, a linkage assembly with brackets and linkage sets, and a drive assembly with a lead screw and nut assembly. The nut assembly provides a biasing force to maintain target pressure on the fluid bag in case of actuator failure, and the system is oriented to minimize space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linear slide compression mechanism with screw and motor assembly is used, then efficient compression and control is achieved, but the lateral footprint increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the compression mechanism from a lateral arrangement to a vertical arrangement. The lead screw is oriented vertically instead of horizontally, allowing the compression mechanism to operate in the vertical dimension rather than requiring substantial lateral space. This dimensional change enables the squeeze plate to move vertically to compress the fluid bag while minimizing the horizontal footprint of the mechanism.
2Extent of automation
If electrically powered motor and compression mechanisms are used, then automated fluid control is achieved, but power failures can disrupt fluid flow and cause patient complications
Solution Approach 1:
The compression mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a spring-loaded system that automatically compresses the fluid bag when the motor fails or stops. The spring provides continuous compression force without requiring external power or motor control, ensuring that fluid flow remains stable even during power failures or motor malfunctions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex backup systems while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring mechanism is incorporated into the compression system to provide preemptive cushioning against motor failure. The spring is pre-loaded to maintain continuous compression force on the fluid bag, creating a safety buffer that activates automatically if the motor fails. This beforehand cushioning ensures that fluid flow disruptions are prevented before they can cause patient complications.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded mechanism is used to maintain pressure during actuator failure, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism is designed to be self-actuating, automatically providing compression force when the motor fails without requiring additional sensors, controllers, or backup motors. The spring simply needs to be pre-loaded and positioned to engage automatically, eliminating the need for complex electronic backup systems while maintaining reliability.
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 ensures continuous and stable fluid flow during surgical procedures by maintaining target pressure on the fluid bag even in case of actuator failure, while also reducing the size and cost of the surgical console by eliminating the need for a large linear slide mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a drive assembly comprising a lead screw disposed through each of the plurality of brackets, an actuator configured to rotate the lead screw to actuate the drive assembly
Implementation Method 2
a nut assembly coupled to the lead screw and at least one of the plurality of brackets, where the nut assembly is configured to provide a biasing force to maintain a target range of pressure on the fluid bag if the actuator fails
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a compression system including a squeeze plate, a linkage assembly, and a drive assembly. The squeeze plate is configured to engage with a fluid bag. The linkage assembly comprises a plurality of brackets each coupled to a plurality of linkage sets, where actuation of the linkage assembly causes lateral translation of the squeeze plate. The drive assembly comprises a lead screw disposed through each of the plurality of brackets, an actuator configured to rotate the lead screw to actuate the drive assembly, and a nut assembly coupled to the lead screw and at least one of the plurality of brackets, where the nut assembly is configured to provide a biasing force to maintain a target range of pressure on the fluid bag if the actuator fails.