Intraocular Lens Reinforcing Layer for Conductor Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intraocular lenses (IOLs) with electrically actuated accommodation, such as those using electrowetting, face reliability issues due to delamination, cracking, or buckling of conductors under the stresses of rolling and folding, which complicates the implantation process requiring smaller incisions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reinforcing layer with a higher elastic modulus than the flexible material of the IOL, which mitigates tensile and compressive stresses on the flexible conductor, preventing cracking or buckling and allowing the IOL to be rolled or folded without damage, thereby enabling implantation through a smaller incision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the IOL is made flexible to allow rolling and folding for smaller incision implantation, then ease of implantation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to conductor delamination, cracking, or buckling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implantationVSAvoidconductor integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining a flexible substrate with a reinforcing layer having different mechanical properties (higher elastic modulus). This composite structure allows the IOL to be flexible enough for rolling and folding during implantation while the reinforcing layer prevents conductor delamination, cracking, or buckling, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of implantation and conductor integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the IOL is rolled or folded for implantation through smaller incisions, then ease of implantation is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates due to stress-induced damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implantationVSAvoidmechanical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing layer is applied beforehand to the flexible substrate to cushion and distribute the tensile and compressive stresses that occur during rolling and folding. This pre-protection prevents stress-induced damage to the conductor and maintains mechanical stability throughout the implantation process, resolving the contradiction between ease of implantation and mechanical stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 reinforcing layer ensures the integrity of the flexible conductor during deformation, enhancing the reliability and implantability of the IOL by reducing the risk of delamination and mechanical failure, allowing for successful implantation through smaller incisions while maintaining optical functionality.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a reinforcing layer with a higher elastic modulus than the flexible material of the IOL, which mitigates tensile and compressive stresses on the flexible conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic modulus: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Conventional intraocular lenses (IOLs) with electrically actuated accommodation, such as those using electrowetting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrowetting: Electrowetting

Data Source

PatentUS10874506B2Intraocular lens with reinforcing layer

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC

AI summary

A flexible intraocular lens including a reinforcing layer disposed on a sidewall of the intraocular lens is described. An example flexible intraocular lens includes a lens body and a reinforcing layer disposed thereon.