Wirelessly Coupled Intraocular Lens Architecture for Space-Limited Implants
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic devices face constraints due to limited space within the human eye, limiting the size and functionality of components such as power sources and sensors, necessitating invasive surgeries for replacement, and compromising the effectiveness of accommodation aids like intraocular lenses.
Innovation Solution
Implantable ophthalmic devices are designed with wirelessly coupled sections, allowing components to be distributed across different areas of the eye, with a power source and sensors located in the sclera for easier access and larger size, reducing the need for invasive surgeries and enhancing battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all components are integrated into a single intraocular device, then the device structure is compact, but the device size becomes too large for the limited eye space and requires invasive surgery for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ophthalmic device into separate functional components: an intraocular lens implant and external electronics (power source, sensors, processor). These segmented components communicate wirelessly, allowing each to be optimized independently for size and function while avoiding the constraints of a single integrated implantable unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power source and sensors are implanted inside the eye, then the device is self-contained, but the incision size must be large and replacement becomes invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source, sensors, and processing electronics from the intraocular implant and places them externally. This extraction allows the intraocular lens to be implanted through minimal incisions while the larger external components can be accessed and replaced through non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication (electromagnetic signals) as an intermediary between the intraocular lens and external electronics. This intermediary enables data and power transmission without physical connections, eliminating the need for invasive wiring and simplifying both implantation and replacement procedures.
3Volume of moving object
If integrated circuitry is scaled down to fit eye space, then the device fits within the eye, but functionality is limited and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the electronics from the constrained three-dimensional space inside the eye to the external environment, providing virtually unlimited space for circuitry scaling, sensor arrays, and battery capacity. This dimensional transition from internal to external placement resolves the conflict between size constraints and functional capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If all components are in one implantable unit, then the device is simple to implant, but battery replacement requires full device replacement through invasive surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simple implantation procedure for the intraocular lens with separate, non-invasive access to the external battery and electronics. This allows the lens implantation to remain simple and minimally invasive while enabling independent battery replacement through external access, eliminating the need for invasive surgery for maintenance.
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
This design enables less invasive surgeries, longer battery life, and more efficient accommodation by allowing larger power sources and sensors to be implanted in accessible areas, simplifying replacement procedures and improving the functionality of accommodation aids.
Implementation Method 1
The sections may be wirelessly coupled to one another via one or more antennas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Techniques and mechanisms for the wireless transmission of power and sensor information between two components of an implantable ophthalmic device are disclosed herein. An example device (100) includes an accommodating intraocular lens (alOL) (102) and separate auxiliary electronics (104), both enclosed in biocompatible materials. The alOL includes a dynamic optic, control logic, a battery and an antenna. The auxiliary electronics include an antenna, an energy storage cell, and a sensor. The auxiliary electronics may be wirelessly coupled to the alOL for the wireless transmission of power and sensor information.