Dual-Lens Eye-Mountable Device with Reciprocal Topography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye-mountable devices with hydrophobic silicone elastomer lenses cause discomfort due to corneal binding, leading to posterior surface tightening and deformation, which affects the accuracy of analyte measurements in tear films.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dual-lens structure where the anterior lens is made of a stiffer hydrophobic material like silicone elastomer and the posterior lens is made of a hydrophilic material like silicone hydrogel, with reciprocal topographical features for secure alignment and reduced binding, allowing for comfortable wear and accurate analyte detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hydrophobic silicone elastomer lens is used, then the lens maintains sufficient rigidity for structural stability, but it causes corneal binding and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The single lens is divided into two separate lenses: a posterior lens that contacts the cornea and an anterior lens that contains the electronic structure. This segmentation allows each lens to be optimized for its specific function - the posterior lens for comfort and the anterior lens for structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical system are assigned different material properties. The posterior lens uses hydrophilic material for corneal compatibility, while the anterior lens uses hydrophobic silicone elastomer for rigidity. Each material is placed where its specific properties are most beneficial.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hydrophilic posterior lens is used, then corneal binding is reduced and comfort is improved, but the lens lacks sufficient rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into two lenses with different material properties. The posterior lens is made of hydrophilic material for comfort, while the anterior lens provides the necessary rigidity through hydrophobic silicone elastomer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite material construction with two different lens materials - hydrophilic material for the posterior lens and hydrophobic silicone elastomer for the anterior lens - to achieve both comfort and structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If a single-lens structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot simultaneously provide rigidity and reduce corneal binding
Solution Approach 1:
The single lens is segmented into two lenses with different material properties. The posterior lens uses hydrophilic material for comfort, while the anterior lens provides structural support, achieving both comfort and rigidity through division of function.
4Reliability
If the posterior lens surface tightens on the cornea, then the lens appears stable, but analyte measurement accuracy is affected
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lens into two separate lenses, the posterior lens can be optimized for comfort without corneal binding, while the anterior lens contains the measurement functionality. This prevents the tightening problem from affecting measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is localized to the anterior lens which maintains optimal positioning, while the posterior lens handles the comfort function. This separation ensures that measurement precision is not compromised by comfort-related lens deformation.
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 enhances user comfort and promotes the use of eye-mountable devices by reducing corneal binding while maintaining the necessary rigidity and flexibility for accurate analyte measurement in tear films.
Implementation Method 1
the anterior lens is made of a stiffer hydrophobic material like silicone elastomer
Implementation Method 2
the posterior lens is made of a hydrophilic material like silicone hydrogel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
A body-mountable device (110) includes a first layer, a second layer, and an electronic structure (150). The first layer may include a first topographical feature, while the second layer may include a second topographical feature. The first topographical feature and the second topographical feature may be reciprocally-shaped. The second layer may be mounted on the first layer such that the first topographical feature interfaces with the second topographical feature, thereby mechanically securing the second layer to the first layer. The electronic structure, which may include an antenna (170), a sensor (162), and an electronic device (150), may be embedded in the second layer. In an example in which the body-mountable device is an eye-mountable device, the first layer may be a posterior lens, and the second layer may be an anterior lens.