Electromagnetically Actuated Ophthalmic Lens for Dynamic Focus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current corrective lenses for refractive errors such as presbyopia, hyperopia, and myopia are static and introduce visual distortions, limit the field of view, and require users to adapt to segmented focal zones, compromising visual comfort and clarity.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetically actuated ophthalmic lens with adjustable focal power, comprising a first and second chamber, a flexible membrane layer, and electromagnet and magnet arrangement, allowing for electromagnetic actuation to adjust curvature and focus without distortion across a wide range of distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static corrective lenses are used, then refractive errors are corrected, but visual distortions are introduced and field of view is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual correction accuracyVSAvoidfield of view and visual comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dynamic liquid lens system that can change its focal length in real-time based on the wearer's viewing distance and visual needs. The lens transitions from a static structure to a dynamically adjustable one, allowing seamless adaptation between near and far vision without the visual distortions associated with static multifocal lenses. This dynamic adjustment maintains a clear, non-distorted field of view across all focal zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multifocal lenses are used, then accommodation range is provided, but visual distortions and peripheral clarity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation rangeVSAvoidvisual clarity and peripheral vision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid lens system dynamically adjusts its focal length based on real-time visual demands, providing smooth transitions between different focal zones without the segmented or gradient zones found in static multifocal lenses. This dynamic approach maintains uniform optical quality across the entire field of view, eliminating peripheral distortions and ensuring clear vision at all distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the lens by adjusting the curvature and shape of the liquid lens surface through electromagnetic actuation. This parameter change allows the lens to transition between different focal lengths while maintaining a uniform, distortion-free optical profile, thereby preserving both accommodation range and visual clarity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If progressive lenses are used, then multiple focal zones are provided, but adaptation difficulty and visual comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal zone coverageVSAvoiduser adaptation and visual comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid lens system eliminates the need for user adaptation to segmented or gradient zones by providing a single, unified focal zone that can be dynamically adjusted. The lens smoothly transitions between near and far focus based on real-time visual demands, eliminating the cognitive load and discomfort associated with adapting to multiple fixed focal zones. This dynamic approach maintains consistent optical quality across the entire field of view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 lens provides seamless, automatic focus modulation that matches the wearer's viewing target, ensuring a clear, non-distorted field of view and accommodating both far- and near-sighted requirements, eliminating the need for multiple lenses.

Implementation Method 1

The focal power of the lens is adjusted by applying electromagnetic actuation to adjust a curvature of the membrane layer of the lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnet disposed between the first chamber and the membrane layer, the electromagnet adjacent to the inner ridge of the membrane layer; and a magnet disposed between the second chamber and the membrane layer, the magnet adjacent to the inner ridge of the membrane layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250328029A1Electromagnetically actuated ophthalmic lens device and system and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 VANDERBILT UNIV

AI summary

The present disclosure provides for devices, systems, and methods of using electromagnetically actuated ophthalmic lens. The lens includes a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber being connected to the first chamber to form a central void. The lens further includes a membrane layer disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber in the central void, the membrane layer being flexible and with an inner ridge. Additionally, the lens includes an electromagnet disposed between the first chamber and the membrane layer, the electromagnet adjacent to the inner ridge of the membrane layer and a magnet disposed between the second chamber and the membrane layer, the magnet adjacent to the inner ridge of the membrane layer.