Variable Voltage Liquid Meniscus Lens for Ophthalmic Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid meniscus lenses with cylindrical shapes are not conducive for use in ophthalmic applications due to physical constraints such as size, shape, and control aspects, limiting their functionality in human eye environments, and they face challenges with curved designs that differ from traditional parallel-sided lenses.

Innovation Solution

An arcuate liquid meniscus lens with variable voltage zones on the meniscus wall, featuring a frustum of a cone shape, where an electrically conductive coating along the perimeter of the lens allows for the attraction or repulsion of ionically conductive salts in a saline solution, altering the meniscus shape and optical power by applying electrical potential.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a cylindrical shape with parallel sidewalls is used, then the lens structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is not conducive for use in ophthalmic applications due to size, shape, and control constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability to ophthalmic applications

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a cylindrical shape with parallel sidewalls to an arcuate shape with curved sidewalls. The meniscus wall is formed with a curved profile that is more conducive to ophthalmic applications, specifically creating a lens that can be positioned on or near the human eye. This curvature allows for better adaptation to the eye's surface and improved optical performance in ophthalmic environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an arcuate shape with curved sidewalls is used, then the lens is more suitable for ophthalmic applications, but it introduces physical challenges not present in traditional designs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to ophthalmic applicationsVSAvoidphysical challenges in design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lens into distinct functional zones: a central optical zone and a peripheral meniscus wall zone. The meniscus wall is segmented with different surface properties - a first portion with a first contact angle and a second portion with a second contact angle. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone for its specific function while managing the complexity of the overall arcuate design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different contact angles at different locations on the meniscus wall. The first portion of the meniscus wall has a first contact angle optimized for one function, while the second portion has a second contact angle optimized for another function. This local differentiation of properties allows the lens to manage complex physical challenges through spatially varying characteristics rather than uniform design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If variable voltage zones are applied to the meniscus wall, then the optical power can be adjusted and stabilized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates variable voltage zones on the meniscus wall that allow dynamic adjustment of the liquid meniscus shape. By applying different voltages to different zones, the optical power of the lens can be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic capability provides reliability and adaptability for ophthalmic applications where optical correction may need to change based on viewing conditions, while the zoning approach manages the complexity through structured segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 a more stable and adjustable optical quality, allowing for corrective optical powers and improved functionality in ophthalmic applications by maintaining the relative positions of saline solution and oil within the lens, even during wearer movement, while preventing mixing and ensuring stability.

Implementation Method 1

Application of an electrostatic charge to a meniscus wall generally located in a perimeter area of one or both of the first optic and the second optic changes the physical shape of a meniscus formed between the saline solution and oil maintained within the cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction/repulsion: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

a meniscus formed between the saline solution and oil maintained within the cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentUS9182521B2Liquid meniscus lens including variable voltage zones

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum with multiple voltage zones that may have variable voltages applied across the zones. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.