Adjustable Optical Surface via Pillar Fluidic Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic lenses with adjustable optical surfaces lack the ability to be finely tuned and actuated in a reversible manner to provide complex optical functions, limiting their adaptability and customization.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adjustable ophthalmic lens with a material layer and pillar linear fluidic actuators that allow for the fine-tuning of geometrical characteristics of the optical surface through fluidic actuation, enabling rapid and reversible shaping of a wide range of complex surfaces by varying fluidic pressure within the actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible mirror with mechanical actuation means is used, then the optical surface can be adjusted to various configurations, but the adjustment precision and reversibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic actuation system where a fluid (liquid or gas) is introduced into chambers between the flexible mirror and rigid support. By controlling fluid pressure, the flexible mirror surface can be precisely adjusted to various configurations. The fluid pressure can be varied continuously and reversibly, enabling fine-tuned control of the optical surface geometry without the limitations of mechanical screw or pin mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If an intraocular lens implant is used, then the optical surface can be shaped to desired curvature, but the surface cannot be modified after implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic optical system where the lens surface can change its geometry after implantation. The flexible mirror (or lens element) is coupled with fluid-filled chambers that can be actuated post-implantation to modify the optical surface curvature. This dynamic structure allows the optical device to adapt to changing visual requirements over time, unlike static implants.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic actuation mechanism allows post-implantation modification of the optical surface by introducing or removing fluid from the chambers. This enables reversible changes in surface curvature and optical power, providing long-term adaptability that was previously impossible with conventional implants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluid-filled cells are used to alter lens surface shape, then the optical power can be adjusted, but the structure becomes complex and the response time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fluid actuation chambers directly with the flexible mirror or lens element in a unified structure. The chambers are positioned between the flexible optical element and a rigid support, creating a compact assembly where the actuation mechanism and optical element are merged into a single integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible mirror or thin flexible lens element allows for efficient transmission of fluid pressure to the optical surface. The thin flexible structure responds rapidly to pressure changes, enabling fast optical power adjustment without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
4Shape
If mechanical means such as screws or pins are used to apply load to flexible mirror, then the mirror can be deformed to desired shape, but the adjustment is not reversible and fine-tuning is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuation system replaces mechanical screws or pins with fluid pressure control. Fluid pressure can be easily increased or decreased to deform the flexible mirror in either direction, providing reversible adjustment. The continuous nature of fluid pressure allows for fine-tuned control of the mirror shape, enabling precise optical surface configuration that is difficult to achieve with discrete mechanical fasteners.
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 solution enables precise adjustment and customization of optical surfaces, achieving large displacements with a compact structure and reducing surface defects, allowing for the generation of complex optical surfaces such as progressive addition lenses, with the potential for real-time adaptation to varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
fluidic actuation of a material layer comprising an upper surface on which an optical surface is provided
Implementation Method 2
a material layer (100) comprising an upper surface (110) on which an optical surface (20) is provided
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3.1~3.2
Figure 3.3~3.4
AI summary
An adjustable optical device (10) comprising at least a deformable optical surface (20) activated by linear fluidic actuators comprising: - a material layer (100) comprising an upper surface (110) on which the optical surface (20) is provided and a bottom surface (130, 140); - an actuator layer (200) comprising a plurality of linear fluidic actuators separated by at least one cavity (250), where at least one linear fluidic actuator is a pillar (205) extending in the actuation direction (L) which is non parallel to the bottom surface (130, 140) of the material layer (100), said pillar (205) comprising a wall (220) delimiting an internal cavity (210) and where an upper surface (240) of said pillar (205) is continuously linked to a zone (130) of the bottom surface of the material layer (100); - fluidic inlets suitable for introducing a fluid in at least one internal cavity (210) of a pillar linear fluidic actuator (205).