Adjustable Power Lens Assembly With Aligned Sliding Lens Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glasses with variable power lenses do not adequately address the need for minimal distraction and ease of use when transitioning between near and distant vision, often with visible lens edges and complex adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pair of glasses with adjustable lenses comprising two superposed lens elements and an optical power adjuster, where the lens elements are slidable relative to each other, minimizing centration distance and aligning edges to reduce distraction, with a spring-loaded mechanism for precise alignment and a detachable frame part for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lens elements are made slidable relative to each other to enable variable optical power, then the adaptability for different viewing distances is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the adjustment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into two separate lens elements (first lens element and second lens element) that can slide relative to each other. Each lens element has its own optical power, and by adjusting their relative positions, the total optical power of the lens can be varied. This segmentation allows for simple mechanical adjustment without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed. The first lens element can slide along the optical axis relative to the second lens element, allowing dynamic adjustment of the optical power. This dynamic configuration enables the lens to adapt to different viewing distances without requiring a complex adjustment mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the lens elements are positioned to minimize centration distance for seamless adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens elements are pre-configured with specific curvature radii and optical powers during manufacturing. The first lens element has a first curvature radius and the second lens element has a second curvature radius, which are optimized in advance to work together when positioned at minimal centration distance. This preliminary optimization reduces the need for high precision during final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical power of the lens system is changed by adjusting the relative position of the lens elements along the optical axis. By varying the distance between the lens elements, the overall optical power can be continuously adjusted. This parameter-based adjustment allows for seamless operation while maintaining manageable manufacturing precision requirements.
3Shape
If the lens elements are aligned to minimize visible edges and reduce distraction, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the device complexity increases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The first lens element and second lens element are merged into a single functional unit that works together to provide variable optical power. When positioned at minimal centration distance, the edges of the two lens elements align seamlessly, creating a unified appearance without visible seams or distractions. This merging approach simplifies the overall structure compared to separate adjustable lenses.
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 solution provides seamless adjustment for varying optical power, minimizing visible edges and enhancing user experience by reducing distraction and facilitating easy cleaning, while maintaining optical precision and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
each lens element has polished surfaces, with one of the surfaces being a regular surface of revolution... the lens elements being slidable relative to each other in a direction transverse the optical axis of the lens... having respective lens surfaces that are shaped to act together to form a corrective lens
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method of fabricating a lens element for an adjustable power lens of the kind comprising two lens elements that are slidable relative to one other in a direction transverse the optical axis of the lens and have respective lens surfaces that are shaped to act together to form a corrective lens, the power of which varies according to the relative disposition of the two lens elements, the method comprising the steps of forming a lens puck having two opposite faces, which are shaped to form opposite lens surfaces of one of the lens elements of the adjustable power lens, the puck having at least one alignment feature, and thereafter edging the puck to a desired eye shape with reference to the alignment feature.