Arcuate Liquid Meniscus Lens for Ophthalmic Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid meniscus lenses with cylindrical shapes are not conducive for ophthalmic use due to physical constraints such as size, shape, and control aspects, limiting their application in devices like contact lenses and intraocular lenses.
Innovation Solution
A liquid meniscus lens design featuring arcuate shaped optics with a cavity containing a saline solution and oil, where an electrical charge alters the meniscus shape between the two, allowing for a refractive and therapeutic functionality suitable for ophthalmic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical shape is used for the liquid meniscus lens, then the lens structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lens is not conducive for ophthalmic use due to size and shape constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the cylindrical lens shape into an arcuate (curved) shape with specific radii of curvature. The front surface has a first radius of curvature and the back surface has a second radius of curvature, creating a meniscus shape that is curved in cross-section. This curvature adaptation enables the lens to conform to the ocular surface and provide proper optical correction for ophthalmic applications while maintaining manufacturability through standard lens fabrication processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical charge is applied to change meniscus shape, then the lens can provide corrective functionality, but the control and stability of the liquid meniscus becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrophobic coating as an intermediary layer on the lens surfaces that interacts with the liquid meniscus. This coating mediates the interaction between the applied electrical charge and the liquid meniscus, enabling controlled shape changes. The hydrophobic properties of the coating allow the liquid to form a stable meniscus that can be precisely manipulated by electrical fields, providing both controllability and stability for vision correction applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (voltage, charge distribution) to control the meniscus shape and thereby adjust the optical power of the lens. By varying the electrical charge applied to different regions of the lens, the meniscus curvature can be dynamically adjusted to provide different corrective powers for various visual conditions, enabling adaptive vision correction functionality.
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 design provides a stable and effective optical solution for ophthalmic lenses by altering the meniscus shape in response to electrical charge, enabling corrective, cosmetic, and therapeutic functions while maintaining stability and preventing oil and saline mixture, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional cylindrical lenses.
Implementation Method 1
Application of electrical charge to a perimeter area of one or both of the first arcuate optic and the second arcuate optic changes the physical shape of a meniscus formed between the saline solution and oil maintained within the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens, some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a front curve arcuate lens and a back curve arcuate lens. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.