Stacked Layer Ophthalmic Insert With Power Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmic devices, such as contact lenses, lack the capability to incorporate active components and power sources due to size and power requirements, making it challenging to integrate energized and functionalized layers for enhanced functionality.

Innovation Solution

The development of a stacked layer structure within ophthalmic devices that includes a power source and semiconductor components, allowing for the creation of a biocompatible insert that can be energized and integrated into ophthalmic lenses, enabling features like variable optic elements and active therapeutic functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If discrete semiconductor devices are embedded in contact lenses, then active functionality is achieved, but the size and power requirements are not conducive for inclusion in ophthalmic devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple functional layers including a power layer, semiconductor layer, and optical layer. Each layer performs a specific function, allowing the overall device to achieve active functionality while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for ophthalmic applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from discrete three-dimensional semiconductor devices to a two-dimensional layered structure. By stacking functional layers, the device achieves the required functionality within the constrained volume of an ophthalmic device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functional layers are stacked to create integrated functionality, then device capabilities are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoidlayer stacking structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The layered structure is designed so that each layer can serve multiple purposes. For example, the power layer provides both electrical power and structural support, while the semiconductor layer integrates both electronic functionality and optical properties. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functional layers are nested within a single ophthalmic device structure, with each layer contained within the overall device geometry. The layers are integrated in a compact arrangement that minimizes the overall device size while maintaining all required functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a power source is integrated into the ophthalmic device, then active components can be energized, but the device size and biocompatibility constraints are challenged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source integrationVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power source is implemented as a thin-film battery or flexible power layer that can be integrated into the device structure. This thin-film approach provides the necessary power while maintaining a minimal thickness that fits within the constraints of an ophthalmic device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The power layer is constructed using composite materials that combine energy storage capabilities with biocompatible properties. The composite structure integrates the power source with the surrounding device materials, ensuring both functionality and biocompatibility while minimizing the overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 creation of ophthalmic lenses with integrated power sources and semiconductor devices, enhancing functionality and therapeutic capabilities while maintaining biocompatibility and minimizing size constraints.

Implementation Method 1

The first mold part is positioned proximate to the second mold part thereby forming a lens cavity with the energized substrate insert and at least some of the reactive monomer mix in the lens cavity; the reactive monomer mix is exposed to actinic radiation to form an ophthalmic lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS9804418B2Methods and apparatus for functional insert with power layer

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC

AI summary

This invention discloses a device comprising multiple functional layers formed on substrates, wherein at least one functional layer comprises an electrical energy source. In some embodiments, the present invention includes an insert for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses that has been formed by the stacking of multiple functionalized layers.