Variable-Optic Ophthalmic Lens Ciliary Muscle Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of electronic components into ophthalmic lenses poses challenges due to manufacturing difficulties on non-planar surfaces, energy efficiency concerns, and the need for a robust and scalable system that can detect and differentiate ciliary muscle signals for controlling variable-optic lenses.

Innovation Solution

A powered ophthalmic lens with a sensing system that detects ciliary muscle movement to adjust refractive power, incorporating neuromuscular sensors, power management circuitry, and control algorithms to enhance vision and compensate for visual acuity issues like presbyopia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are integrated into ophthalmic lenses to provide variable-optic functionality, then vision enhancement and automated control capabilities are improved, but manufacturing complexity and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable-optic functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing system automatically detects ciliary muscle signals and triggers appropriate lens actions without requiring manual input from the wearer. The system self-regulates by monitoring muscle activity and adjusting optical power accordingly, eliminating the need for complex user interfaces or manual control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ophthalmic lens integrates multiple functions including vision correction, neuromuscular sensing, signal processing, and automated optical adjustment within a single device. The lens serves both as a corrective optical element and as a platform for biomedical sensing and actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If neuromuscular sensors are used to detect ciliary muscle signals, then automated lens control is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated lens controlVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing system operates by detecting periodic or event-driven ciliary muscle signals rather than continuous monitoring. The system activates the variable-optic element in response to specific muscle contraction events, allowing the lens to remain in a stable state between activations and minimizing continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the detected ciliary muscle signals are processed to determine appropriate lens adjustments. The control algorithm analyzes the muscle signal patterns and triggers lens actuation only when accommodation changes are detected, optimizing power usage based on actual physiological need.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lens incorporates sensing and actuation components, then functional capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional modules: the optical zone containing the variable-optic element, and the peripheral zone containing the sensing and electronic components. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized and manufactured separately, with the optical zone requiring high precision and the peripheral zone accommodating more complex electronic assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing system detects ciliary muscle signals through the tear film and ocular tissues, utilizing the third dimension (depth/tissue penetration) rather than requiring surface-level contact. This approach simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for precise surface mounting of sensors on the curved lens surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system provides a reliable, low-power, scalable, and safe means to control the lens's refractive power based on ciliary muscle signals, enhancing vision and addressing presbyopia, while maintaining comfort and safety for the wearer.

Implementation Method 1

an electronic component incorporated into the peripheral zone of the wearable ophthalmic lens, the electronic component including a sensing system for detecting ciliary muscle movement associated with the process of accommodation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeuromuscular sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS9241669B2Neuromuscular sensing for variable-optic electronic ophthalmic lens

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC

AI summary

A variable-optic powered or electronic ophthalmic lens may be utilized to augment the eye's natural ability to refract light or focus. The variable-optic powered lens comprises an electronic system that includes a power source, power management circuitry, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry and lens driver circuitry. The ophthalmic lens may also comprise one or more sensors configured to detect ciliary muscle signals and adjust the optics of the lens accordingly.