Soluble Insert Cavity Contact Lens for Accommodating Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact lens manufacturing methods are complex and inefficient, particularly for accommodating lenses with internal fluidic structures, which often result in less than ideal optical performance and increased manufacturing costs due to embedded modules that provide non-ideal resistance and are difficult to produce in large quantities.
Innovation Solution
A contact lens design featuring an internal cavity formed by dissolving a soluble insert material within a hydrogel contact lens body, allowing for the creation of a dynamically variable optic with a single focal length that can be easily adjusted by the wearer, using a polymer material that inhibits expansion and allows for fluid exchange with the external environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If embedded modules are used to create internal fluidic structures in contact lenses, then the lens can provide accommodating functionality, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex embedded module structure and replaces it with a simple soluble insert that dissolves during or after lens formation. This extraction of the functional element (fluidic structure) from a complex module allows the lens to achieve accommodating functionality through a much simpler manufacturing process, directly resolving the contradiction between functionality and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in material solubility and physical state to create the fluidic structure. The soluble insert changes from a solid state during manufacturing to a dissolved state in the final lens, enabling the formation of complex fluidic channels without complex manufacturing. This parameter change approach simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining accommodating functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If embedded modules are used in contact lenses, then internal fluidic structures can be formed, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable soluble insert that is inexpensive and designed to dissolve after serving its molding function. This replaceable, low-cost insert eliminates the need for expensive embedded modules and complex assembly processes, directly reducing manufacturing costs while still enabling the formation of internal fluidic structures during lens fabrication
3Adaptability or versatility
If multifocal contact lens designs are used, then different focal lengths can be provided, but the image quality and wearability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic single focal length that can change in response to physiological stimuli (such as eyelid pressure or tear flow) rather than providing multiple fixed focal lengths. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the lens to adapt its focus as needed, maintaining better image quality and wearability compared to static multifocal designs while still achieving varying focal lengths through dynamic rather than static means
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 solution enables contact lenses that change shape with reduced pressure, are easier to manufacture, and provide improved optical performance by allowing for the integration of drugs and sensors, while maintaining structural integrity and optical clarity.
Implementation Method 1
A contact lens design featuring an internal cavity formed by dissolving a soluble insert material within a hydrogel contact lens body
Implementation Method 2
The polymer may allow water and solutes to diffuse in and out of the cavity in order to establish equilibrium of the cavity with the external environment of the lens body
Implementation Method 3
The cavity can be formed in a body comprising polymer material that allows the contents of the cavity to be in equilibrium with an external solution prior to use
Data Source
AI summary
A lens comprises an internal cavity structure formed by dissolution of a soluble insert material. The internal soluble material may dissolve through a body of a lens such as a contact lens in order to form the cavity within the contact lens. The cavity within the lens can be shaped in many ways and corresponds to the shape of the dissolved material, such that many internal cavity shapes can be readily fabricated within the contact lens. The insert can be placed in a mold with a pre-polymer material, and the pre-polymer material cured with the insert placed in the mold to form the lens body. The polymerized polymer may comprise a low expansion polymer in order to inhibit expansion of the lens when hydrated. The polymer may comprise a hydrogel when hydrated. The soft contact lens material comprises a sufficient amount of cross-linking to provide structure to the lens and shape the cavity.