Wireless Intraocular Pressure Sensor Using Nanowire Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing glaucoma, such as tonometry, provide only a one-time measurement of intraocular pressure, which is inadequate for accurately monitoring the condition due to its variability throughout the day, leading to potential late or inaccurate diagnoses.
Innovation Solution
A contact lens with a polymer matrix and embedded nanowire network that uses an electrically conductive coil to measure intraocular pressure wirelessly through resonant frequency changes, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections and allowing for long-term, comfortable monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If existing smart contact lenses use circuitry with liquid wires or electrode connections to measure IOP, then continuous monitoring capability is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical circuitry and electrode connections with a wireless electromagnetic sensing system. The contact lens uses a simple conductive material embedded in the lens body that interacts with an external coil via electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for intricate liquid wire circuits and electrode assemblies while enabling continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external electromagnetic coil as an intermediary between the contact lens and the measurement system. This coil couples wirelessly with the conductive material in the lens through electromagnetic induction, allowing IOP measurement without direct electrical connections or complex internal circuitry, thus simplifying manufacturing.
2Duration of action of moving object
If existing smart contact lenses use electrode connections for measurement, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but the lens requires complex electrode connections increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical electrode connections with wireless electromagnetic sensing. The external coil detects changes in the contact lens's electrical properties induced by IOP changes through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for physical electrode connections and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lens itself generates the measurement signal through its inherent conductive properties when subjected to electromagnetic fields. The lens material's electrical characteristics change naturally with IOP, and the external coil simply detects these changes without requiring active electrode connections or complex circuitry.
3Duration of action of moving object
If existing smart contact lenses increase thickness to accommodate circuitry, then monitoring capability is achieved, but comfort for the wearer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all complex circuitry and electronic components from the contact lens body, leaving only a thin lens with embedded conductive material. The measurement and processing functions are moved to an external coil and control unit, allowing the lens to maintain standard thickness for comfort while preserving continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing thick circuit boards and electronic components with wireless electromagnetic sensing, the patent eliminates the need for increased lens thickness. The external coil performs all measurement functions without requiring substantial internal structure, maintaining lens comfort for the wearer.
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 continuous, comfortable, and accurate monitoring of intraocular pressure, potentially leading to earlier and more accurate glaucoma diagnosis by correlating resonant frequency shifts with IOP changes, while being easier to manufacture and wear than existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the electrically conductive coil has a selected resonant frequency. the resonant frequency changes in response to a change in configuration of the nanowire network
Implementation Method 2
an electrically conductive coil adapted to share radiofrequency (RF) energy with the nanowire network of the contact lens
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for measuring and monitoring intraocular pressure (IOP) of a subject includes a contact lens disposed on the subject's eye, the contact lens having a polymer matrix and a nanowire network embedded in the polymer matrix. An electrically conductive coil is disposed in close proximity to the contact lens such that it electromagnetically couples with the nanowire network of the contact lens. A resonant frequency of the electrically conductive coil is measured and correlated with the IOP of the subject. Changes in IOP result in deformation of the nanowire network of the contact lens and a resulting change in the resonant frequency, which is measured and correlated with the change in IOP. The electrically conductive coil is adapted to be worn by the subject and may be mounted on a pair of glasses.