Multi-Concave Meniscus Wall Liquid Lens for Ophthalmic Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid meniscus lenses with cylindrical shapes are not conducive for use in ophthalmic applications due to physical constraints such as size, shape, and control aspects, limiting their functionality in devices like contact lenses, which require refractive, cosmetic, or therapeutic functions.

Innovation Solution

A liquid meniscus lens with an arcuate front and back curve design featuring a meniscus wall with multiple concave segments, allowing for the attraction or repulsion of liquids within the lens, and the application of an electrical charge to alter the meniscus shape between a saline solution and oil, enhancing optical power and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a cylindrical shape with parallel sidewalls is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the lens is not conducive for ophthalmic applications due to size, shape, and control constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsuitability for ophthalmic applications

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by transitioning from a cylindrical shape with parallel sidewalls to an arcuate shape with curved sidewalls. The meniscus wall is formed with arcuate surfaces that curve along the optical axis, creating a shape more suitable for contact lens applications while maintaining manufacturability through injection molding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The meniscus wall is segmented into multiple concave segments that can independently interact with the liquid meniscus. This segmentation allows different zones of the lens to perform different functions, enabling both vision correction and potential therapeutic functions while maintaining overall lens stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a curved liquid meniscus lens design is used, then ophthalmic application suitability is improved, but physical challenges arise that are not present in traditional designs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for ophthalmic applicationsVSAvoidphysical challenges in curved design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different surface properties in different zones of the meniscus wall. The concave segments have specific curvature radii and depths tailored to their local functional requirements, allowing optimized liquid meniscus control in each zone while managing the overall physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The curved design uses arcuate surfaces with carefully controlled radius of curvature to achieve the desired meniscus shape. The curvature is optimized to provide stable liquid meniscus formation while maintaining manufacturability and avoiding excessive physical challenges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical charge is applied to alter meniscus shape, then optical power adjustability is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical power adjustabilityVSAvoidcontrol aspects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electrical control through electrostatic actuation. By applying electrical charge to the meniscus wall, the liquid meniscus shape is altered without moving parts, simplifying the control system while enabling optical power adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter (voltage/charge) to control the meniscus shape and optical power. By varying the electrical charge applied to the meniscus wall, the liquid meniscus curvature is adjusted, providing continuous optical power tuning without mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design provides a more stable and adaptable optical solution for ophthalmic applications, allowing for adjustable optical power and improved stability of the liquid meniscus, enabling the lens to function effectively in contact lenses with enhanced refractive and therapeutic capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Application of electrical charge to a meniscus wall generally located in a perimeter area of one or both of the first arcuate optic and the second arcuate optic changes the physical shape of a meniscus formed between the saline solution and oil maintained within the cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction/repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS8867141B2Lens with multi-concave meniscus wall

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. The meniscus lens may include an arcuate front curve and back curve lens. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of multiple segments of a torus concave from the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.