Variable Power Intraocular Lens with Shiftable Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intraocular artificial lenses lack the ability to replicate the natural eye's accommodative functionality, particularly in adjusting optical power for near and far vision, and often suffer from glare issues and mechanical instability.

Innovation Solution

The development of an intraocular artificial lens with two shiftable optical elements driven by the natural ciliary muscle, utilizing positioning and driving mechanisms that mimic the natural lens's accommodative function, including adjustable and flexible connecting components, and fixation elements that grow with the capsular bag for stable integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single fixed optical element is used in the intraocular lens, then the device complexity is reduced, but the accommodative functionality (ability to adjust optical power for near and far vision) is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodative functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is divided into two separate optical elements (first and second optical elements) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to the overall optical power in a variable manner, enabling accommodative functionality through their relative displacement along the optical axis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical elements are designed to be dynamically positionable relative to each other along the optical axis. The driving mechanism enables continuous adjustment of the distance between the two optical elements, transforming the static lens system into a dynamic one that can adapt its optical power based on viewing distance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If two shiftable optical elements are implemented, then the accommodative functionality is achieved, but the mechanical stability of the lens system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodative functionalityVSAvoidmechanical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A driving mechanism acts as an intermediary system between the two optical elements, providing controlled interaction and positioning. This intermediary structure ensures that the relative movement between optical elements is precisely regulated, maintaining mechanical stability while enabling the required dynamic adjustment for accommodation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens system utilizes the eye's natural ciliary muscle as the driving force for adjusting the relative position of the optical elements. This self-service approach leverages the body's existing biological mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex actuation systems, thereby enhancing mechanical stability and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the optical elements are positioned to provide strong optical power for near vision, then the near vision quality is improved, but glare issues worsen due to large iris opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical power precisionVSAvoidglare

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system dynamically adjusts the distance between the two optical elements based on the required optical power. When strong optical power is needed for near vision, the elements are positioned closer together, and the system accepts that the iris opening will be larger. This dynamic positioning allows optimization of optical power while being aware of the accompanying glare condition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If the optical elements are made rigid for structural stability, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the ability to shift positions for accommodation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidposition adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the structural support function from the movement function. The individual optical elements maintain their rigidity for structural integrity, while the driving mechanism provides the flexibility needed for position adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its primary function without compromising the other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8579972B2Construction of an intraocular artificial lens

Publication Date: 2013.11.12 AKKOLENS INT BV

AI summary

This invention concerns an intraocular artificial lens with variable optical power which lens is comprised of two optical elements which can be shifted relatively to each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis wherein the optical elements have such a shape that they exhibit, in combination, different optical powers at different relative positions and positioning means for positioning the optical elements in the eye and driving means for at least one of the optical elements to execute a movement relative to the other optical element and whereby the positioning means provide for forcing the optical elements to a resting position.