Facial Nerve Blink Pacing for Reliable Eyelid Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for maintaining eyelid closure and controlling blink rate, such as sewing the eyelids shut or chemoparalysis, are cosmetically disfiguring and inadequate in ensuring proper eyelid closure, particularly in conditions like neurotrophic keratitis and neurological disorders that reduce blink rate and amplitude.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising electrodes attached to facial nerves and a controller to provide electrical signals for stimulating eyelid closure and controlling blink rate, using transcutaneous or subcutaneous implantation for bilateral or unilateral eyelid activation, with optional neural blockade electrodes to facilitate eyelid closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tarsorrhaphy (sewing eyelids shut) is performed to maintain lid closure, then adequate eyelid closure is achieved, but cosmetic disfigurement occurs and eyelid damage may result

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeyelid closure adequacyVSAvoidcosmetic disfigurement and eyelid damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical surgical closure method (tarsorrhaphy) with an electrical stimulation system that activates the facial nerve to induce natural eyelid closure through muscle contraction, eliminating the need for physical sutures and associated cosmetic damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physiological state of the eyelid by applying electrical parameters (voltage, frequency, duration) to the facial nerve, transforming the natural blink reflex into a controllable mechanism for sustained eyelid closure without surgical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If alternative methods (taping or chemoparalysis) are used to maintain eyelid closure, then some closure is achieved, but adequate closure is not ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeyelid closure adequacyVSAvoidclosure reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive mechanical methods (taping) or chemical methods (chemoparalysis) with active electrical stimulation of the facial nerve, providing reliable control over eyelid closure through controlled muscle activation rather than external constraints or chemical inhibition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If blink rate is reduced due to aging or neurological conditions, then natural blink pattern changes, but tear film replenishment fails leading to ocular surface breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblink rate variationVSAvoidtear film replenishment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors to detect blink rate and eyelid closure status, providing feedback to the control system which adjusts electrical stimulation parameters to maintain adequate tear film replenishment even when natural blink patterns are compromised by aging or neurological conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts electrical stimulation parameters (frequency, duration, intensity) based on detected physiological state, transforming the insufficient natural blink response into adequate tear film replenishment through controlled muscle activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter 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

The device effectively stimulates tonic eyelid closure and controls blink rate, addressing conditions like neurotrophic keratitis and neurological disorders, providing comfort and efficacy in eyelid closure without cosmetic disfigurement.

Implementation Method 1

A device and method for stimulating left and right eyelid closure of a patient. The device comprises a first bipolar electrode configured to be subcutaneously implanted proximate to a left facial nerve of the patient for activating closure of the left eyelid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12564716B2Tonic eyelid closure and blink pacing device and method

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

AI summary

A device for stimulating left and right eyelid closure of a patient. A first pair of electrodes is configured to be attached in spaced apart relation to one another proximate to a left facial nerve of the patient for activating closure of the left eyelid. A second pair of electrodes is configured to be attached in spaced apart relation to one another proximate to a right facial nerve of the patient for activating closure of the right eyelid. A controller in communication with the first and second pairs of electrodes is configured to provide electrical signals to the first and second pairs of electrodes for stimulating closure of the left and right eyelids. A power supply in communication with the controller is configured to supply electrical power to the controller and the first and second pairs of electrodes.