Adjustable Power Lens With Sealed Cavity And Lateral Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alvarez-type lenses face challenges in maintaining cleanliness due to their design, which involves two optical surfaces prone to dirt and moisture accumulation, and existing solutions either result in bulky frames or complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained lens design with a sealed cavity and lateral translation of one lens element within the other, utilizing an elongate drive element and adjuster mechanism to adjust optical power while preventing dirt and moisture ingress, integrated into an eyeglasses frame with a concealed adjustment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Alvarez-type lenses are designed with two separate optical plates to provide adjustable optical power, then the optical power adjustment capability is improved, but the number of optical surfaces increases leading to greater susceptibility to dirt and moisture accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate Alvarez optical plates into a single integrated lens element. This integration maintains the adjustable optical power capability through internal mechanical adjustment mechanisms while reducing the number of external optical surfaces from four (two plates × two surfaces each) to two (one lens × two surfaces), thereby minimizing exposure to dirt and moisture while preserving the adaptability of optical power adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where one optical plate is positioned within a cavity formed by the other plate and a cover. The second Alvarez lens plate resides in the cavity between the first plate and cover, creating a self-contained sealed unit. This nesting approach maintains the adjustable power functionality through lateral translation of the inner plate while protecting both plates from environmental contaminants.
2Ease of operation
If a hinge mechanism is incorporated to allow cleaning of both plates, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the frame size increases and aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning function from the mechanical hinge structure. Instead of requiring a physical opening mechanism, the design allows the entire lens assembly to be removed as a single unit from the frame for cleaning. This eliminates the need for bulky hinge mechanisms while maintaining ease of maintenance, as the sealed lens can be detached and reattached without compromising the seal or requiring complex framing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lens assembly from the frame structure, creating a modular unit that can be independently removed for cleaning. The lens assembly (comprising the sealed cavity with both Alvarez plates) functions as a discrete module that separates from the frame, enabling easy access for cleaning without requiring the frame itself to be modified with large hinge openings.
3Shape
If the edges of optical plates are concealed within the eyeglasses frame, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical plates with the frame structure by integrating the peripheral wall and cover into a unified sealed assembly. The peripheral wall extends from the first Alvarez lens plate and the cover seals to this wall, creating an integrated unit where the edges are naturally concealed within the frame's groove without requiring additional complex framing structures. This combination maintains aesthetic appearance while simplifying the overall device structure.
4Ease of operation
If a threaded drive mechanism is used to achieve convenient power change per turn, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex threaded drive mechanism with a simpler mechanical rack and pinion system. Instead of using a rod with threads engaging a threaded peripheral wall (which requires multiple starts and complex manufacturing), the design uses a rack with teeth that engages a pinion gear. This substitution maintains the convenient power adjustment capability while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process, as rack and pinion components are easier to produce with standard machining operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices providing adjustable optical power have previously been proposed for use as corrective lenses in prescription eyeglasses. There is disclosed a lens having optical power adjustable by relative lateral translation of two lens elements, the lens comprising: a first lens element sealed to a cover to define a cavity therebetween; a second lens element disposed within the cavity and coupled to an elongate drive element extending laterally from the second lens element, the second lens element being arranged to be driven laterally relative to the first lens element by lateral translation of the elongate drive element to thereby adjust the optical power of the lens, the lens comprising a lateral projection into which the cavity and drive element extend, the lateral projection having there mounted an adjuster for driving lateral translation of the elongate drive element. The lens reduces or prevents the ingress of dirt, moisture, sweat and grease between surfaces of the lens elements. There is also disclosed an eyeglasses frame, such as may be particularly suited to said adjustable power lens.