Energized Media Insert for Ophthalmic Lens Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic devices, such as contact lenses, lack a mechanism for wireless power supply to embedded semiconductor devices, limiting their functionality and ability to change optical characteristics dynamically.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an energized media insert with an embedded energy source, such as an electrochemical cell or battery, and circuitry into ophthalmic lenses, allowing for wireless power transmission and enabling components like semiconductor devices to draw current and perform functions like changing optical characteristics on command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If semiconductor devices are embedded in contact lenses, then functionality is enhanced, but power supply mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply mechanism from external sources (wires, external batteries) and embeds it directly within the contact lens as an integrated energy source. This eliminates the need for complex external power supply mechanisms while maintaining enhanced functionality through the embedded semiconductor devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the energy source is contained within the contact lens housing, and semiconductor devices are embedded within the lens material itself. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to coexist in a compact configuration, enhancing functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wires are run from lens to battery to power semiconductor devices, then power supply is established, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external battery and wiring components from the system, replacing them with an integrated energy source embedded within the contact lens. This extraction eliminates the need for invasive wires while maintaining the power supply function necessary for semiconductor devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ophthalmic lenses include embedded energy sources and components, then dynamic optical changes are enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates energy sources and semiconductor components into the contact lens during the manufacturing process itself, rather than attempting to assemble them afterward. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing workflow by combining multiple steps into a unified production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the manufacturing of the contact lens with the integration of energy sources and semiconductor devices into a single coordinated process. This combining of operations reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps required and simplifies production while enabling dynamic optical changes.
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, including dynamic optical changes and therapeutic effects, while maintaining biocompatibility and user comfort by integrating energy sources and components within the lens structure.
Implementation Method 1
The first mold part is positioned proximate to the second mold part thereby forming a lens cavity with the energized media insert and at least some of the reactive monomer mix in the lens cavity; the reactive monomer mix is exposed to actinic radiation to form an ophthalmic lens
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a media insert with an energy source to an ophthalmic lens. The energy source is capable of powering a component included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel and the component includes an electro-optical lens portion.