Ophthalmic Lens with Embedded Data Processor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Contact lens wearers and those with intraocular lenses cannot easily change their vision correction without significant effort, as the optical qualities of traditional ophthalmic lenses are static and cannot be altered post-fabrication.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a data processor and energy source into an ophthalmic lens, allowing for dynamic changes in lens components and optical qualities through controlled actinic radiation and energy management, enabling variable focal powers and enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional cast molding or lathing is used to form the lens, then the lens can be manufactured with predetermined optical quality, but the optical qualities remain static and cannot be changed after fabrication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical quality adaptabilityVSAvoidlens structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating a data processor and energy source into the lens to enable dynamic adjustment of optical qualities. The lens transitions from a static structure with fixed optical properties to a dynamic system where the data processor can modify the optical state in response to user needs or environmental conditions, allowing focal power and other optical characteristics to change after fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the nesting principle by embedding the data processor and energy source within the lens structure itself. The processor and power supply are integrated into the lens body, creating a compact nested arrangement where smaller components are housed within the larger lens structure, enabling adaptability without significantly increasing external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a data processor and energy source are incorporated into the lens, then dynamic changes in optical qualities are enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical quality adaptabilityVSAvoidlens structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by combining the data processor, energy source, and lens components into a single integrated system. Rather than treating these as separate devices, they are merged into one unified ophthalmic lens assembly, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining dynamic functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing the lens to perform multiple functions: optical correction, dynamic focal adjustment, and potential additional functionalities controlled by the data processor. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single universal lens system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lens structure is made more complex to include dynamic components, then adaptability improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical quality adaptabilityVSAvoidlens fabrication ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the preliminary action principle by pre-positioning the data processor and energy source within the lens mold cavity before the lens material is formed. This preliminary placement allows the dynamic components to be integrated into the lens structure during the manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring complex post-fabrication assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 wearers to adjust optical qualities and functionalities of ophthalmic lenses, providing adaptable vision correction and additional features like variable focal lengths, improving user convenience and lens performance.

Implementation Method 1

The reactive monomer mix is exposed to actinic radiation to form an ophthalmic lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP2349699B1Method and apparatus for forming an ophthalmic lens with embedded data processor
Publication Date: 2016.08.03 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC
  • EP2349699B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2349699B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2349699B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a media insert (112) with a Data Processor (111) and a variable optic insert (108) into an ophthalmic lens. An energy source (109) is capable of powering the Data Processor (111) and the variable optic insert (108) included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel.