Ring-Shaped Sensor Placement in Eye-Mountable Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye-mountable devices, such as contact lenses with sensors, face challenges in securely integrating ring-shaped structures with analyte detection sensors into the device while maintaining the ability to diffuse analytes for accurate health monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a first amount of polymerizable material to a ring-shaped structure with sensors, followed by positioning it in a mold and applying pressure to cure the material, then adding a second amount of polymerizable material to form an over-molded polymer layer that encloses the ring-shaped structure, ensuring secure integration and analyte diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a ring-shaped structure with sensors is integrated into an eye-mountable device, then analyte detection capability is improved, but secure integration and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped structure is nested within the polymer matrix of the contact lens, with the polymerizable material forming multiple layers around the ring structure. This nesting approach secures the sensor-containing ring within the device while maintaining its functional exposure to analytes in tear fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining the ring-shaped structure (containing sensors) with polymerizable materials that cure to form an integrated composite. The polymer matrix embeds the ring structure while allowing analyte diffusion, creating a composite material system that provides both structural stability and sensor functionality.
2Reliability
If pressure is applied to cure polymerizable material around the ring structure, then integration security is improved, but analyte diffusion capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The polymerizable material is applied in different amounts and configurations in different regions. A first amount is applied to the ring structure itself, then a second amount is added to form an over-molded layer. This local differentiation ensures secure integration where needed while maintaining analyte diffusion pathways in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the polymerizable material during the curing process. By controlling curing conditions and material composition, the polymer matrix achieves sufficient structural integrity to secure the ring structure while maintaining appropriate porosity and permeability for analyte diffusion to the sensors.
3Manufacturing precision
If a two-stage polymerizable material application process is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: first applying polymerizable material to the ring structure, curing it, then adding a second amount of polymerizable material to form the over-molded layer. This segmentation allows precise placement and integration of the ring structure while systematically managing the manufacturing process complexity through clear process steps.
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
This method securely integrates the ring-shaped structure within the eye-mountable device, allowing for effective analyte detection and health monitoring while ensuring the structure's stability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
applying pressure on the ring-shaped structure in the mold while curing the first amount of polymerizable material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Example eye-mountable devices and methods for fabricating eye-mountable devices are described. A method may include applying a first amount of polymerizable material to a ring-shaped structure, where the ring-shaped structure comprises at least one sensor configured to detect an analyte. The method also may include positioning the ring-shaped structure with the first amount of polymerizable material applied thereto in a mold, where the mold is configured to form an eye-mountable device. Further, the method may include applying pressure on the ring-shaped structure in the mold while curing the first amount of polymerizable material. Still further, the method may include adding a second amount of polymerizable material to the mold with the ring-shaped structure therein, and curing the second amount of polymerizable material to form an over-molded polymer layer such that the ring-shaped structure is at least partially enclosed in the eye-mountable device.