Intraocular Pressure Sensor With Miniature Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring intraocular pressure, such as tonometry, are invasive, inconvenient, and lack accuracy due to alignment sensitivity issues, especially when attempting to monitor conditions like glaucoma frequently and at home.
Innovation Solution
A system using a miniature lens mounted on an intraocular pressure sensor implant that reduces alignment sensitivity by focusing a collimated optical beam onto the sensor, allowing for precise measurement of intraocular pressure without the need for precise angular alignment between the reader and sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a collimated optical beam is used for measurement, then the lateral and angular alignment sensitivity is reduced, but the measurement precision may be compromised without proper focusing
Solution Approach 1:
A miniature lens is introduced as an intermediary component between the collimated optical beam and the sensor. The lens focuses the collimated light onto the sensor surface, enabling both easy alignment (due to collimated beam properties) and precise measurement (through proper focal concentration of light on the sensing element).
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the measurement system are changed by transitioning from a focused beam to a collimated beam, and then using a lens to focus only at the sensor plane. This parameter change reduces alignment sensitivity while maintaining measurement precision through controlled focal points.
2Measurement precision
If precise angular alignment is required between reader and sensor, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the ease of use and reliability for frequent home monitoring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The miniature lens acts as a mediator that decouples the alignment requirements from the measurement process. By focusing the collimated light at the sensor plane regardless of minor angular deviations, the lens enables accurate measurements without requiring precise angular alignment between the reader and sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional components: the collimated beam generation, the miniature lens for focal control, and the sensor for measurement. This segmentation allows the collimated beam to provide alignment tolerance while the lens ensures measurement precision, resolving the contradiction between ease of use and accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a focused optical beam is used to improve measurement precision, then alignment sensitivity increases, making the system more complex and harder to use
Solution Approach 1:
The miniature lens serves as an intermediary that reconciles the conflicting requirements of focused beam precision and collimated beam alignment tolerance. The lens focuses light only at the sensor plane, allowing the use of collimated beams (which are alignment-tolerant) while achieving focused measurement precision at the sensing element.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical configuration parameters are changed by using a collimated beam instead of a focused beam, and compensating for the loss of precision through the addition of a miniature lens. This parameter change reduces alignment sensitivity and device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through controlled focal points at the sensor.
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 fast, reliable, and easy-to-use intraocular pressure measurements by minimizing lateral and angular alignment requirements, facilitating frequent monitoring and improving patient adherence to treatment schedules.
Implementation Method 1
a lens operable to focus an optical beam to the active area for measurement of the intraocular pressure
Implementation Method 2
The beam may travel through free space (the ambient environment outside of the eye) and then enters the cornea where it impinges upon the sensor and is reflected by the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An intraocular pressure sensor implant comprising a substrate defining a surface implantable in an eye; a membrane coupled to the substrate, the membrane operable to change shape as a function of an intraocular pressure of the eye and defining an active area; and a lens coupled to the substrate, the lens operable to focus an optical beam to the active area for measurement of the intraocular pressure based on a spacing between the membrane and the surface.