Energized Ophthalmic Lens with Embedded Energy Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic lenses lack a mechanism for wireless power supply, limiting their ability to incorporate active components and provide controlled changes in optical characteristics.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an energy source, such as a battery or energy harvester, directly into the ophthalmic lens, along with reenergizing components like photoelectric, inductive, or capacitive devices, to enable an energized state and power semiconductor devices without wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an energy source is incorporated into the ophthalmic lens, then the lens can provide controlled changes in optical characteristics and power semiconductor devices, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled changes in optical characteristicsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple components (energy source, semiconductor device, and ophthalmic lens) into a single integrated device. The energy source is embedded within the lens structure itself, eliminating the need for separate power supply components and reducing overall system complexity despite adding functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ophthalmic lens is designed to perform multiple functions: optical correction, cosmetic enhancement, therapeutic effects, and powering semiconductor devices. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating an energy source that can power various active components within the lens structure, allowing a single device to serve multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If wires are run from the lens to a battery to power semiconductor devices, then the devices can be powered, but the ease of operation and comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepowering semiconductor devicesVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the energy source from an external location (separate battery) and incorporates it directly into the lens structure. This eliminates the need for wires connecting the lens to an external power source, thereby improving ease of operation and user comfort while maintaining the ability to power semiconductor devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The energy source is nested within the lens structure itself, with the battery or power component embedded inside the lens body. This nested arrangement allows the power source to be integrated into the lens without adding external components or requiring wire connections, thus maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If semiconductor devices are embedded in the contact lens, then enhanced functionality is provided, but the reliability and biocompatibility may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenhanced functionalityVSAvoidbiocompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the lens. The semiconductor devices and energy sources are localized to specific areas within the lens structure, while other regions maintain biocompatible materials suitable for contact with the eye. This localized approach allows enhanced functionality in specific zones without compromising overall biocompatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables ophthalmic lenses to provide enhanced functionality and controlled optical changes through embedded energy sources and reenergizing mechanisms, overcoming the limitation of wired power supply.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an inductive energy coupling device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a capacitive energy coupling device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

a thermoelectric device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 5

a piezoelectric device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 6

Lenses are formed via the control of actinic radiation to which the reactive monomer mixture is exposed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS9675443B2Energized ophthalmic lens including stacked integrated components

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC

AI summary

An ophthalmic lens comprising a stacked integrated component device can provide various functionality. The stacked integrated component device may contain an energy source capable of powering an electrical component incorporated into the lens.