Organic Semiconductor Transistors on 3D Ophthalmic Lens Inserts
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic devices, such as contact lenses and intraocular lenses, face challenges in integrating reliable and compact energization elements and semiconductor devices due to their three-dimensional shape and size, which complicates the incorporation of active components and efficient energy management.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods and apparatus to form organic semiconductor transistors on ophthalmic device insert components with three-dimensional shapes, using substrates like silicon wafers, encapsulating layers like parylene or hydrogel, and energization elements like electrochemical cells, allowing for the creation of functional circuits and devices such as transistors, resistors, and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional passive components are used in ophthalmic devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but functionality and dynamic control capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and passive electronic components with organic semiconductor devices that can be directly integrated into the ophthalmic device structure. Organic semiconductors enable active control functions (transistors, sensors, actuators) to be formed as thin films within the device, substituting bulky mechanical components and enabling dynamic functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining organic semiconductor layers with substrate materials and encapsulating layers. This composite approach allows integration of multiple functions (electronic control, structural support, biocompatibility) within a unified device architecture, enhancing versatility while managing complexity through material-level integration
2Adaptability or versatility
If energization elements and semiconductor devices are integrated into ophthalmic devices with three-dimensional shapes, then dynamic functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ophthalmic device into functional segments: substrate structures providing three-dimensional shape, organic semiconductor layers providing active functionality, and encapsulating layers providing protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately using appropriate techniques, then integrated into the final device, thereby managing manufacturing complexity while achieving dynamic functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar device layouts to three-dimensional structures by forming organic semiconductor devices on substrates with varying topographies and incorporating components at different depth levels. This dimensional transition enables integration of energization elements and semiconductor devices within the volumetric space of the ophthalmic device, achieving dynamic functionality without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity
3Device complexity
If organic semiconductor devices are formed on three-dimensional substrates, then device integration is improved, but deposition process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies deposition process parameters including temperature, pressure, and material composition to enable formation of organic semiconductor layers on three-dimensional substrates. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves conformal coverage and proper material properties on complex surfaces, improving device integration while managing deposition process complexity through systematic parameter control
4Volume of moving object
If compact energization elements are used, then device size is reduced, but energy management challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energization elements with the organic semiconductor device structure, integrating power management functions directly into the device architecture. This consolidation eliminates separate power management components, reducing overall device size while managing energy constraints through close integration of energy storage and consumption elements
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 novel ophthalmic devices with dynamic focal characteristics and integrated energization systems, enhancing the functionality and manufacturing efficiency of ophthalmic devices by utilizing organic semiconductor technology, which can be formed at relatively low temperatures and integrated into thinner, more complex shapes.
Implementation Method 1
depositing an organic semiconductor layer on a substrate
Implementation Method 2
forming an encapsulating layer around the ophthalmic lens insert
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses methods and apparatus to form organic semiconductor transistors upon three-dimensionally formed insert devices. In some embodiments, the present invention includes incorporating the three-dimensional surfaces with organic semiconductor-based thin film transistors, electrical interconnects, and energization elements into an insert for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses. In some embodiments, the formed insert may be directly used as an ophthalmic device or incorporated into an ophthalmic device.