3D Serpentine Intraocular Pressure Sensor Without Bulky Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intraocular pressure sensors are either large and heavy due to the need for batteries and complex electronics, require surgical implantation, or suffer from signal drift due to packaging imperfections.

Innovation Solution

A wireless intraocular pressure sensor system featuring a deformable or stretchable inductor with a three-dimensionally serpentine shape, encapsulated within a polymeric carrier layer, which functions as both a pressure-sensitive element and a wireless communications interface, minimizing the need for bulky electronics and allowing for flexible manufacturing and wearability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If active devices with integrated circuits and batteries are used, then data storage and processing capabilities are improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage and processing capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the battery and complex electronic components from the intraocular pressure sensor, transforming it from an active device to a passive device. This extraction eliminates the weight and size burden while maintaining pressure sensing capability through a simplified capacitive structure that relies on external power and processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic system (battery-powered active electronics) with a field-based system (passive capacitive sensing). The sensor uses electrical field interactions and capacitive measurements instead of active electronic processing, eliminating the need for power-consuming components while retaining sensing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If traditional passive sensors are used, then device size is reduced, but surgical precision and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsurgical implantation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible thin-film structure for the capacitive sensor that can conform to the curvature of the eye. This flexible film design simplifies the implantation process compared to rigid traditional passive sensors, as it can be more easily positioned and anchored without requiring extremely precise surgical alignment, while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Measurement precision

If variable capacitors with pressurized reference chambers are used, then pressure sensing capability is improved, but signal stability deteriorates due to leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure sensing capabilityVSAvoidsignal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the pressurized reference chamber from the sensor design. By removing this component, the source of leakage and signal drift is eliminated. The sensor uses a simplified capacitive structure where one plate is the sensing element and the other is a fixed reference electrode, avoiding the need for sealed pressurized chambers that are prone to leakage over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Measurement precision

If conventional cornea-mounted devices are used, then intraocular pressure measurement is achieved, but vision obstruction occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintraocular pressure measurementVSAvoidvision obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the sensor mounting location from the cornea surface (2D plane) to the sclera or episcleral tissue (3D space away from the visual axis). This dimensional relocation allows the sensor to measure intraocular pressure through tissue integration without blocking the central visual field, as the sensor is positioned peripherally rather than centrally on the cornea.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The system provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and flexible solution for intraocular pressure sensing that does not obstruct vision, with minimal electronic components and no need for surgical implantation, while maintaining sensitivity and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable or stretchable inductor having a three-dimensionally serpentine or wavy shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

functions as both a pressure-sensitive element and a wireless communications interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250127397A1Intraocular Pressure Sensor

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 BOARD OF TRUSTEES OPERATING MICHIGAN STATE UNIV

AI summary

A pressure sensor apparatus is provided. In another aspect, a wireless intraocular pressure sensor includes a deformable or stretchable inductor having a three-dimensionally serpentine or wavy shape. A further aspect of an intraocular pressure sensing system includes a closed loop, deformable and variable inductor of an undulating shape in lateral and depth directions, within a ring-shaped and polymeric carrier layer, sized to contact an eye. A method of making a wireless intraocular pressure sensor, including a three-dimensionally deformable metal layer, is also provided.