Switchable Spectacles Lens Using Ciliary Muscle Actuation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current lenses for presbyopia correction, such as multifocal refractive or diffractive lenses, face challenges in efficiently switching between far and near foci, particularly in ophthalmic applications, where they require complex and expensive electrical control or unpredictable external factors for focal length adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A switchable cell comprising an optical substrate with a diffraction surface, an elastic film, and a transparent or active chamber filled with matching or non-matching fluid, which changes its optical surface shape between refractive and diffractive forms to switch between far and near foci based on pressure differences, allowing for automatic focus adjustment without external actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multifocal refractive or diffractive lenses are used for presbyopia correction, then multiple foci are provided, but the switching between foci requires complex electrical control or unpredictable external factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus switching capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system uses the eye's own physiological actions (ciliary muscle contraction, eyelid movement, intraocular pressure changes) to drive the focus switching mechanism, eliminating the need for external electrical control systems. The ciliary muscle's natural accommodation movements directly modulate the lens optical surface between refractive and diffractive states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electrical control systems with direct mechanical coupling between the ciliary muscle and the lens optical surface. The mechanical movements of the ciliary muscle and associated structures (zonules, lens capsule) directly induce the optical surface modulation needed for focus switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If volume diffractive elements with refractive index modulation are used, then focus switching is achieved, but the system becomes complicated and expensive to execute

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus switching capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and optical properties of the lens material through mechanical deformation and pressure changes induced by ciliary muscle action. The optical surface transitions between refractive and diffractive states through changes in surface geometry and material density, rather than through complex refractive index modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses the flexible lens capsule and thin film structures that can be mechanically deformed by ciliary muscle movements. These flexible membranes transmit the mechanical forces from the ciliary body to the optical surface, enabling focus switching through simple structural deformation rather than complex manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical fields are used for focus switching in ocular implants, then focus adjustment is achieved, but safety and reliability concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment capabilityVSAvoidsafety and reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system uses the eye's own physiological actions (ciliary muscle contraction, eyelid movement, intraocular pressure changes) to drive the focus switching mechanism, eliminating the need for external electrical control systems. The ciliary muscle's natural accommodation movements directly modulate the lens optical surface between refractive and diffractive states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electrical control systems with direct mechanical coupling between the ciliary muscle and the lens optical surface. The mechanical movements of the ciliary muscle and associated structures (zonules, lens capsule) directly induce the optical surface modulation needed for focus switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If automatic focus adjustment is implemented, then convenience is improved, but external actuation mechanisms increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic focus adjustmentVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens system uses the eye's own physiological actions (ciliary muscle contraction, eyelid movement, intraocular pressure changes) to drive the focus switching mechanism, eliminating the need for external electrical control systems. The ciliary muscle's natural accommodation movements directly modulate the lens optical surface between refractive and diffractive states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 stable and efficient switching between refractive and diffractive states, providing clear vision for both distance and near vision without the need for electrical control, ensuring safety and reliability in ophthalmic applications by using built-in periodicity for focus separation and minimizing fluid transfer.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic film in close proximity or contact with the diffraction surface of the optical substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

diffractive switchable lens or diffractive switchable ophthalmic lens... changes the image positions between distance and near foci or fields by directing light to refractive focus and a different focus position corresponding to a diffraction order

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

chamber between elastic film and diffraction surface of the optical substrate filled with optical fluid of refractive index which is equal to or up to about 0.03 unit different from the refractive index of the optical substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS9927634B2Switchable spectacles

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 PORTNEY VALDEMAR

AI summary

A pair of spectacles has a frame and defines a horizontal plane generally through the temples and bridge of the spectacles. At least one switchable lens is configured to switch its foci from a first focal length to a second focal length. An infrared emitter is disposed at one peripheral edge of the at least one switchable lens, the infrared emitter configured to emit an infrared radiation. An infrared sensor is disposed at an opposite peripheral edge, the infrared sensor configured to detect a different intensity of the infrared radiation from the infrared emitter upon reflection from the front surface of wearer's eye ball. The at least one switchable lens is configured to switch to its first focal length when the infrared sensor detects the infrared radiation and is configured to switch to its second focal length when the infrared sensor detects a different intensity of the infrared radiation.