Implantable Intraocular Pressure Sensor With Fuel Cell Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraocular pressure monitoring methods are invasive, expensive, non-portable, and provide infrequent measurements, which are insufficient for accurately tracking the progression of glaucoma due to the variability of intraocular pressure over short periods.
Innovation Solution
An implantable intraocular physiological sensor powered by a fuel cell, such as an electrochemical fuel cell, that measures intraocular pressure and glucose concentration, capable of continuous or frequent measurements, and wirelessly transmits data using an antenna, with components housed in a biocompatible structure and anchored at various eye locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an implantable intraocular pressure sensor is used, then measurement frequency and continuity are improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is nested within the eye structure itself, with the pressure sensor positioned between the sclera and choroid layers. The antenna is integrated into the same housing as the sensor and power source, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes external components while enabling continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device performs multiple functions: pressure sensing, wireless data transmission, and self-powering through the fuel cell. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single integrated system, improving measurement frequency without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If external pressure monitoring equipment is used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is self-contained and self-powered through the fuel cell, requiring no external power source or complex external monitoring equipment. The antenna enables autonomous wireless transmission of measurements to external devices, allowing the sensor to serve itself while maintaining accuracy and eliminating the need for bulky external monitoring systems.
3Reliability
If frequent measurements are performed, then early detection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell operates on a chemical parameter basis, converting chemical energy from oxygen and fuel directly to electrical energy. This chemical-to-electrical conversion provides sustained power for frequent measurements without the rapid energy depletion characteristic of traditional batteries, enabling continuous monitoring while managing energy consumption through controlled chemical reactions.
4Ease of operation
If an implantable sensor with antenna is used, then wireless data transmission is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is nested within the same housing as the sensor and power source, with all components integrated into a single implantable unit. This nested arrangement simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate assembly steps and precision alignment requirements compared to systems requiring external antenna-sensor coupling.
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 sensor provides continuous or frequent intraocular pressure and glucose measurements, reducing the risk of blindness by early detection of glaucoma and diabetes complications, while minimizing invasiveness and operational limitations.
Implementation Method 1
An implantable intraocular physiological sensor powered by a fuel cell, such as an electrochemical fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
wirelessly transmits data using an antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
An intraocular pressure (IOP) sensing system may comprise an intraocular pressure sensing implant to be implanted into the eye of a patient for capturing absolute intraocular pressure measurements and an external device for capturing atmospheric pressure measurements. The intraocular pressure sensing implant may be configured to capture an absolute intraocular pressure measurement at an appointed time, and the external device may be configured to capture a plurality of atmospheric pressure measurements around the appointed time.