Piezoelectric Sensor for Adaptive Vision Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vision correction methods lack a non-surgical means to detect and adjust eye focus using eye movements, particularly the ciliary muscle, without imposing undue burden on the user.

Innovation Solution

A wearable ophthalmic device featuring a piezoelectric sensor and artificial lens actuator that detects ciliary muscle movements to adaptively modify the shape of an artificial lens for focus correction, either intraocularly or externally, using a contact lens, glasses, or goggles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a piezoelectric sensor is used to detect ciliary muscle movements for focus correction, then measurement precision of eye focus is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveciliary muscle movement detectionVSAvoidsensor and actuator system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the piezoelectric sensor and artificial lens actuator into a single integrated ophthalmic device that can be worn as glasses, contact lenses, or goggles. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining high measurement precision for detecting ciliary muscle movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric sensor detects natural ciliary muscle movements without requiring active user input or complex external equipment. The system automatically translates these natural physiological movements into focus corrections, making the device self-regulating and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If an artificial lens actuator is used to rapidly adjust focus, then speed of focus correction is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to automated control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment speedVSAvoiduser control requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the piezoelectric sensor that continuously monitors ciliary muscle movements to automatically control the artificial lens actuator. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid focus adjustment while eliminating the need for manual user control, as the system self-regulates based on natural eye movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The automated control system operates autonomously by detecting natural ciliary muscle movements and translating them into corresponding focus corrections without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation by making the device transparent to the user while achieving rapid focus adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If piezoelectric materials are used to power the device, then use of energy is improved for nano-sized devices, but reliability decreases due to energy storage requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiency in nano devicesVSAvoidenergy storage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical power sources with piezoelectric energy harvesting that converts mechanical stress from natural eye movements into electrical energy. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky batteries or complex power management systems, improving energy efficiency while maintaining reliability through direct energy conversion from physiological movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 rapid focus adjustment coinciding with natural eye movements, providing effective vision correction without surgical procedures or significant user burden, leveraging piezoelectric sensors to detect specific muscle frequencies and activate actuators for precise focus adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

When these materials receive mechanical stress or pressure, their stored energy is released as an electrical charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the piezoelectric material deforms in response to an applied electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9632333B2Piezoelectric sensor for vision correction

Publication Date: 2017.04.25 MARKUS DAVID T

AI summary

The present invention will provide a vision correction device which utilizes the movements of the eye to correct the focus of the user without the need of surgical procedures. More specifically, the present invention will detect the movement of the ciliary muscle and adaptively modify the shape of an artificial lens positioned inside or outside of the eye to adjust the focus of the lens. This adjustment will occur very rapidly and coincide with the ciliary muscle's attempt to focus the crystalline lens of the eye.