Electrowetting Ophthalmic Devices With Anion Getter Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ophthalmic devices, such as contact lenses and intraocular lenses, face challenges due to contamination by anion contaminants that degrade the self-healing system and reduce the device's lifetime, particularly when implanted within the eye.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an anion getter material within the electrowetting ophthalmic devices to inhibit the detrimental effects of anion contaminants, maintaining the self-healing system and extending the device's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrowetting ophthalmic devices are implanted within the eye, then dynamic vision correction and health monitoring functionality are improved, but anion contaminants degrade the self-healing system and reduce device lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic vision correction functionalityVSAvoiddevice lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric layer is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the electrode and the aqueous humor in the eye. This dielectric layer prevents anion contaminants from the aqueous humor from reaching and degrading the self-healing system at the electrode interface, while still allowing the electrowetting function to operate effectively for dynamic vision correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a self-healing system using valve metal (such as aluminum) that can be periodically regenerated. When the metal oxide layer degrades due to anion contamination, the device can be replaced or the metal surface can be re-oxidized to restore the self-healing capability, effectively managing the limited lifetime component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If a self-healing system is implemented using valve metal, then device reliability is improved, but anion contaminants inhibit the self-healing effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-healing system effectivenessVSAvoidanion contaminant impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric layer serves as a protective intermediary that blocks anion contaminants from reaching the valve metal electrode. This allows the self-healing oxide layer to form and maintain itself without being degraded by anion contamination from the ocular environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the naturally occurring anion contaminants in the eye into a beneficial effect by using them to form a protective metal oxide layer on the valve metal electrode. This oxide layer, while initially a degradation product, actually protects the underlying metal and enables the self-healing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrowetting cell is used for dynamic accommodation, then vision correction adaptability is improved, but complexity of the device structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic accommodation capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrowetting cell is designed to perform multiple functions: dynamic vision correction through accommodation, health monitoring through integrated sensors, and communication through wireless power transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing overall device complexity while maximizing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the electrowetting lens, sensor array, wireless power transfer coil, and control circuitry into a single integrated contact lens or intraocular lens device. This merging of functions into a unified structure reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 anion getter material effectively immobilizes anion contaminants, preserving the device's functionality and ensuring reliable operation over an extended period, especially for intraocular lenses.

Implementation Method 1

anion getter material disposed within the ophthalmic device and adapted to getter anion contaminants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

an electrowetting cell configured to provide dynamic accommodation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrowetting: Electrowetting

Data Source

PatentEP3894944B1Electrowetting ophthalmic devices with anion getter

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 VERILY HEALTH INC

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A

AI summary

An ophthalmic device includes an enclosure (335), two immiscible fluids (321, 327), an electrode (337), a dielectric (329), and an anion getter material (309). The enclosure is configured to mount on or in an eye of a user. The two immiscible fluids, including a first fluid and a second fluid, are disposed within the enclosure. The electrode is separated from the two immiscible fluids by the dielectric. The electrode is capable of forming a barrier layer during an anodization process when a voltage is applied across the electrode and the first fluid. The anion getter material is disposed within the ophthalmic device and is capable of gettering anion contaminants that inhibit the anodization process from forming the barrier layer.