Slotted Ocular Nerve Stimulator for Efficient Wireless Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for dry eye disease (DED) do not adequately account for the variety of factors influencing symptom severity and onset, often providing only temporary relief through eye drop-based methods.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device is positioned underneath the eyelid with electrodes configured to stimulate the sclera and bulbar conjunctiva, utilizing electromagnetic energy conversion for power and promoting near-field coupling to induce tear production, featuring slotted electrodes to enhance efficiency and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous electrode surface is used for nerve stimulation, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but electromagnetic energy loss increases due to eddy currents
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode surface is segmented into multiple discrete electrode elements arranged in an array, rather than using a continuous surface. This segmentation interrupts the path for eddy currents while maintaining sufficient electrode-tissue contact area for effective nerve stimulation. The multiple discrete elements achieve both energy efficiency and stimulation effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If wireless power transmission is used to power the device, then device complexity is reduced, but electromagnetic energy coupling efficiency decreases due to eddy currents
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array segments the conductive surface to interrupt eddy current paths, thereby improving electromagnetic energy coupling efficiency for wireless power transmission while maintaining the simplicity of the wireless power approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of eddy currents (energy loss) into a beneficial segmentation pattern that improves wireless power coupling. By strategically placing gaps between electrode elements, the design eliminates the harmful continuous current paths while maintaining effective power transfer.
3Loss of energy
If electrode slots are added to inhibit eddy currents, then energy efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding slots to a continuous electrode (which would increase manufacturing complexity), the invention uses segmentation from the outset by arranging multiple discrete electrode elements in an array. This approach achieves the same eddy current interruption effect while being more amenable to standard manufacturing processes for flexible electronics.
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 device provides sustained and efficient stimulation of nerves to enhance tear production, addressing dry eye symptoms effectively and comfortably without the limitations of traditional treatments.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna and other electronic components to convert electromagnetic energy received from a wireless remote control device into a current and/or voltage to supply power to the plurality of stimulation electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The slots provide a discontinuous or interrupted surface pattern which inhibits the formation of lossy electrical eddy currents in the electrodes to facilitate or promote near-field coupling with the wireless remote control device
Implementation Method 3
The slots provide a discontinuous or interrupted surface pattern which inhibits the formation of lossy electrical eddy currents in the electrodes
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of stimulation electrodes proximal to the first surface, wherein the plurality of stimulation electrodes is configured to stimulate the sclera and/or the bulbar conjunctiva
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and methods for treating dry eye and other ophthalmic conditions are provided. The devices may be configured to be located in a patient's fornix. In one embodiment, a device includes a flexible substrate, an antenna disposed on a first side of the substrate, one or more electronic components disposed on the first side of the substrate, and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on a second side of the substrate opposite the first side. Each of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises an electrode surface and a plurality of slots in the electrode surface defining a plurality of electrode prongs. The plurality of slots facilitate or promote near-field coupling between a transmitter and the antenna. The one or more electronic components are configured to provide electrical power to the first electrode and the second electrode.