Intraocular Lens Reinforcement Ring Warpage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraocular lenses with electrical components often warp during unfolding, leading to poor optical quality due to their complex assembly and internal components, which complicates their implantation through small incisions required for minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reinforcement ring made from strong, flexible, and deformable materials like superelastic alloys or shape-memory alloys that are insert-molded into silicone resin, allowing the lens to maintain a taut and straight shape upon unfolding, thereby preventing warpage and ensuring optimal optical quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If intraocular lenses are formed from multiple pieces assembled to form the lens, then electrical components and internal components can be integrated, but the lens warps upon unfolding leading to poor optical quality
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple pieces that can be assembled together, allowing integration of electrical components and internal structures while maintaining the ability to unfold properly
Solution Approach 2:
A reinforcement ring made of shape-memory alloy is combined with the lens pieces to provide structural support that prevents warping while allowing the lens to be assembled from multiple components
2Ease of operation
If the lens is rolled or folded to fit through a small incision, then minimally invasive implantation is achieved, but the lens may warp upon unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is designed with a flexible structure that can be rolled or folded for implantation through a small incision, while the reinforcement ring maintains shape stability upon unfolding
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement ring is made of shape-memory alloy that changes its physical state or dimensions in response to temperature or mechanical stress, allowing it to maintain the lens shape during implantation and then expand to prevent warping
3Manufacturing precision
If a reinforcement ring is added to prevent warping, then optical quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement ring serves multiple functions: it provides structural support to prevent warping, maintains the lens shape during implantation, and can be integrated with electrical components, thereby reducing the need for additional separate elements
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 reinforcement ring ensures that intraocular lenses maintain their desired shape and optical clarity after unfolding, reducing warpage and enhancing the precision of dynamic accommodation, thus improving the effectiveness of the lens implantation process.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment, the reinforcement ring may be formed from a superelastic alloy
Implementation Method 2
the reinforcement ring may be formed from a shape-memory alloy
Data Source
AI summary
An example reinforcement ring for intraocular lenses may include at least include a support structure, first and second optical windows disposed on opposing sides of the support structure, and a reinforcement ring included in the apparatus to strengthen the support structure and the first and second optical windows. In some examples, the reinforcement ring is formed from a shape memory alloy, such as Nitinol.