Self-sensing Cantilever for Continuous Corneal Biomechanics Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) are inadequate as they assume a thin cornea and provide only a single measurement, failing to account for variations throughout the day and in response to physical activity or the cardiac cycle, thus not offering a complete picture of eye health.
Innovation Solution
Devices equipped with self-sensing cantilevers calibrated against known biomechanical properties are positioned adjacent to or in contact with the corneal surface, allowing for continuous and intermittent IOP monitoring, and deriving IOP from corneal Young's modulus using a combination of self-sensing cantilevers and atomic force microscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single IOP measurement is taken with the applanation tonometer, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and completeness of eye health assessment deteriorate due to inability to capture IOP variations throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The cantilever probe is designed to be self-sensing, automatically detecting corneal biomechanical properties and IOP variations without requiring external sensing equipment or complex measurement systems. The probe itself performs the sensing function, enabling continuous monitoring while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static single-point measurement to dynamic continuous monitoring. The cantilever probe continuously tracks IOP variations throughout the day and in response to physical activity, capturing the dynamic nature of IOP while providing comprehensive assessment data.
2Measurement precision
If the cornea is assumed to be a thin membrane in IOP measurement, then the measurement process is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect biomechanical assumptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simplified thin-membrane mechanical model with a more accurate elastic beam model using a cantilever probe. This substitution allows for proper accounting of corneal biomechanics while maintaining measurement practicality through the use of standard cantilever deflection measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from direct IOP measurement based on thin-membrane assumptions to corneal biomechanical property measurement using cantilever deflection. By measuring corneal stiffness and elasticity through the cantilever, the system derives more accurate IOP values that account for actual corneal biomechanics.
3Loss of information
If continuous IOP monitoring is implemented, then the completeness of eye health assessment is improved, but the loss of time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cantilever probe enables continuous IOP monitoring throughout the day, capturing IOP variations during different activities and positions. This continuous measurement approach provides complete IOP variation data without requiring multiple separate measurement sessions, actually reducing total time investment while improving data completeness.
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 accurate and continuous monitoring of corneal biomechanical properties, including IOP, providing a more comprehensive assessment of eye health by accounting for variations in corneal stiffness and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a self-sensing cantilever coupled to a base configured to position the self-sensing cantilever adjacent to or in contact with a corneal surface
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for determining one or more corneal biomechanical properties are described herein which, in some embodiments, exhibit the versatility for continuous and intermittent patient monitoring. In some embodiments, a device comprises at least one self-sensing cantilever calibrated against a control of known biomechanical properties, wherein the self-sensing cantilever is coupled to a base configured to position the self-sensing cantilever adjacent to a corneal surface.