Ophthalmic Lens Nano-Antenna Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic lens manufacturing processes face challenges in detecting faults and ensuring high-quality production, leading to delays and potential counterfeiting, as they lack a reliable communication system for verifying the authenticity and pedigree of the lenses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a nano-antenna communication system into the ophthalmic lens during manufacturing, which can transmit data related to a unique identifier and generate a Lens Pedigree Profile, allowing for real-time monitoring and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a communication system is incorporated into the ophthalmic lens, then the ability to verify authenticity and track production is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system components (nano-antenna, processor, memory) are embedded within the lens structure itself, with the antenna integrated into the lens material and processing components housed within the lens body, creating a nested configuration where the communication system is contained within the lens without requiring separate external components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical identification methods (such as physical tags, labels, or manual tracking) with an electromagnetic communication system using nano-antennas that can transmit and receive signals wirelessly, enabling remote authentication and tracking without mechanical contact or external attachments
2Productivity
If automated manufacturing processes are implemented, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of troubleshooting and detecting faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system enables real-time feedback from the manufacturing process by allowing the embedded processor to transmit data about lens production status, fault conditions, and quality metrics to external systems, enabling continuous monitoring and immediate response to issues without requiring complex manual troubleshooting
Solution Approach 2:
The nano-antenna and communication components are integrated into the lens during the manufacturing process itself, allowing fault detection and authentication capabilities to be established in advance before the lens leaves the production line, enabling early detection of issues rather than requiring complex post-production troubleshooting
3Manufacturing precision
If strict process controls and tight tolerances are applied, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the time delay in detecting and correcting faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded communication system provides immediate feedback on lens production quality by allowing real-time transmission of data about manufacturing conditions, dimensional accuracy, and process parameters, enabling instant detection and correction of faults without requiring time-consuming manual inspection or post-production testing
Solution Approach 2:
The communication and sensing capabilities are built into the lens during manufacturing, allowing fault detection to occur in real-time at the point of production rather than requiring separate inspection steps, thereby eliminating time delays associated with post-manufacturing quality checks
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 nano-antenna system enables efficient fault detection and correction during manufacturing, ensures the production of high-quality lenses, and provides a means to verify the authenticity of the lenses, reducing counterfeiting risks.
Implementation Method 1
a nano-antenna configured to be an energy receptor and energize other components of the communication system when it is placed in a high frequency field
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic device includes a communication system including an antenna energy receptor and a processor configured to generate a unique identifier. The unique identifier can be, or include, a pedigree profile that can be accessed to prevent users from being exposed to counterfeited ophthalmic devices. The communication system may be small enough to permit incorporation the ophthalmic device without significantly hindering vision, and/or positioned in a media insert with significantly opaque components positioned outside of the optic zone.