Intraocular Lens Unfolding via Shape Memory Alloy Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surgical techniques limit the implantation of bulky intraocular lenses due to small incisions, leading to potential damage during unfolding and unrolling, which can cause device failure and harm to delicate eye structures.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a shape memory alloy (SMA) ring that unfolds slowly and controlledly upon heating above its transition temperature, allowing for monitored and adjusted deployment within the eye.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the intraocular lens is made bulky to include multiple components and electronics, then the device functionality is improved, but the device cannot be implanted through small incisions and may cause damage during manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The intraocular lens is folded into a compact configuration that nests within a delivery catheter, allowing the bulky device with multiple components and electronics to be delivered through small incisions (2-5 mm) while maintaining full functionality upon deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If the intraocular lens is unfolded quickly during implantation, then the implantation time is reduced, but the fast unfolding may damage delicate eye structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation speedVSAvoideye structure damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The intraocular lens is pre-loaded into a delivery catheter in a folded state, allowing the physician to control the unfolding process gradually after implantation rather than forcing rapid unfolding during insertion, thus preventing damage to delicate eye structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery catheter serves as an intermediary device that protects the intraocular lens during transport and controls its deployment, enabling the lens to unfold in a controlled manner within the eye without direct manipulation by surgical instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the safe and controlled deployment of intraocular lenses, reducing the risk of device failure and eye damage by ensuring a slow and controlled unfolding process.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a shape memory alloy (SMA) ring that unfolds slowly and controlledly upon heating above its transition temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

unfolds slowly and controlledly upon heating above its transition temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10905546B1Controlled unfolding of intraocular lenses

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC

AI summary

A method for controlled unfolding of an intraocular lens (IOL) includes inserting a folded IOL into an eye and heating a shape memory alloy (SMA) ring included with the IOL to a temperature that is at least a transition temperature of the SMA ring. The transition temperature is above a body temperature. Heating the SMA ring causes the SMA ring to unfold the IOL.