Ophthalmic Lens Embedded Energy Source
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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 ability to provide dynamic functionality and controlled optical changes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an energized media insert with an embedded energy source, such as an electrochemical cell or battery, and circuitry within the ophthalmic lens, allowing for electrical communication and activation of components like semiconductor devices, MEMS, or NEMS, enabling controlled functionality and optical changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If semiconductor devices are embedded in a contact lens, then dynamic functionality and controlled optical changes can be provided, but the lens lacks a power supply mechanism to activate these components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy source, current drawing component, and ophthalmic lens into a single integrated device. The energy source and component are embedded within the lens structure itself, merging previously separate elements (power supply and optical device) into one unified system that provides both functionality and power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the energy source and current drawing component within the lens structure, creating a nested configuration where smaller functional elements are contained within the larger lens body. This allows the power supply mechanism to be hidden within the lens without obstructing vision or adding external complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wires are run from the lens to a battery to power semiconductor devices, then the devices can be powered, but the device complexity and potential obstruction of vision increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply mechanism from an external location (separate battery with wire connections) and relocates it within the lens structure itself. This eliminates the need for external wires and connections, reducing device complexity and removing potential vision-obstructing elements while maintaining power delivery capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an energized media insert with embedded energy source is incorporated into the lens, then dynamic functionality is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the energy source and current drawing component into the lens during the manufacturing process itself, rather than adding them as separate post-manufacturing steps. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall fabrication process by combining multiple operations into a single manufacturing sequence, reducing the complexity of assembling finished components.
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 the creation of ophthalmic lenses with embedded energy sources that can power components within the lens, providing dynamic functionality and controlled optical characteristics without obstructing vision, enhancing both therapeutic and cosmetic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an energized media insert with an embedded energy source, such as an electrochemical cell or battery
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2D
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AI summary
This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a media insert (111) with an energy source (109) to an ophthalmic lens. The energy source is capable of powering a component (108) 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.