Superelastic Alloy Barrier for Ophthalmic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hermetic barriers used in ophthalmic devices, such as intraocular lenses, are not suitable for rolling or bending without inelastic deformation, which can lead to delamination or cracking, and do not provide adequate protection against the eye's liquid environment, posing challenges for dynamic accommodation and implantation procedures.

Innovation Solution

A flexible and stretchable hermetic barrier structure formed from alternating layers of superelastic metal alloys and flexible insulating materials, which can withstand deformation without inelastic deformation and protect conductors from moisture and ionic content, allowing for the use of elastic conductors that can be rolled or folded for smaller incision implantation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hermetic barriers are used to protect conductors, then protection against moisture and ionic content is provided, but the barriers cannot withstand rolling and bending without delamination or cracking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against moisture and ionic contentVSAvoidability to withstand rolling and bending

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hermetic barrier is divided into multiple alternating layers of flexible insulating material and superelastic metal alloy. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute different properties: the insulating layers provide moisture barrier and flexibility, while the metal alloy layers provide superelasticity and structural integrity during deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hermetic barrier uses a composite structure combining flexible insulating material with superelastic metal alloy layers. This composite material approach integrates the moisture-blocking properties of insulating materials with the exceptional elastic recovery properties of superelastic alloys, solving both protection and deformability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If elastic conductors are used to enable rolling and folding for smaller incision implantation, then ease of implantation is improved, but protection against degradation in the eye's liquid environment becomes inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implantation through rolling and foldingVSAvoidprotection against conductor degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible hermetic barrier structure is created using alternating layers of flexible insulating material and superelastic metal alloy. This flexible shell completely encapsulates the elastic conductor, providing both the deformability needed for implantation and the protection needed to prevent degradation in the ocular environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier uses composite materials combining flexible insulating material with superelastic metal alloy layers to create a structure that is both flexible enough to accommodate conductor deformation and sufficiently protective against moisture and ionic content in the eye.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If superelastic metal alloy layers are added to provide flexibility and deformability, then the ability to withstand rolling and bending is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to withstand rolling and bendingVSAvoidstructure of hermetic barrier

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hermetic barrier is segmented into multiple alternating layers of flexible insulating material and superelastic metal alloy. This segmentation distributes the functional requirements across different layers, with each layer being relatively simple in structure but collectively providing the needed complex performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By using composite materials with alternating layers, the patent achieves complex deformable protection functionality through a systematic arrangement of simpler material layers, where each layer has a specific function that contributes to the overall performance.

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

The solution provides a reliable and flexible hermetic barrier that prevents conductor degradation and allows for successful rolling and bending of ophthalmic devices during implantation, ensuring effective protection and functionality of the intraocular lens.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperelasticity: Pseudoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3710885B1Flexible barrier layer including superelastic alloys

Publication Date: 2022.01.26 VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

An ophthalmic apparatus includes a support structure; a substrate included with the support structure; at least one conductor disposed on the substrate; and a hermetic barrier structure disposed over the at least one conductor. The hermetic barrier structure further includes a stack of alternating flexible insulating material and superelastic metal alloy layers.