Adjustable Progressive Lens With Transverse Element Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional progressive lenses provide a limited field of view and suffer from peripheral vision distortion, and Alvarez-style lenses require frequent re-adjustment when switching between different visual tasks.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable progressive spectacle lens comprising two lens elements that can be moved relative to each other in a direction transverse to the optical axis, allowing for variation in the size and power of near, distance, and intermediate portions to optimize optical properties for specific visual tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional progressive lenses are used, then presbyopia correction is provided, but field of view is limited and peripheral vision distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into two separate lens elements (first lens element and second lens element) that can be independently positioned. Each lens element contains specific optical zones (distance portion, intermediate portion, near portion), allowing the field of view to be segmented and reconfigured based on viewing requirements, thereby expanding the effective field of view while maintaining presbyopia correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system transitions from a static progressive lens to a dynamic configuration where the first and second lens elements can move relative to each other along the optical axis. This dynamic adjustment allows the optical zones to be repositioned, enabling the lens to adapt to different visual tasks and expand the field of view without compromising presbyopia correction.
2Reliability
If conventional progressive lenses are used, then presbyopia correction is provided, but peripheral vision distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the lens into two independently positionable elements, each containing specific optical zones, the patent allows peripheral distortion to be isolated and minimized in each element while maintaining accurate presbyopia correction in the combined system. The segmentation enables better control over optical properties in different field regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic repositioning capability allows the lens to optimize the alignment of optical zones with the wearer's line of sight for different visual tasks. This reduces peripheral vision distortion by ensuring that the undistorted optical zones are positioned correctly relative to the pupil center during various viewing conditions.
3Area of stationary object
If Alvarez-style variable power lenses are used, then full field of view with no peripheral vision distortion is provided, but frequent re-adjustment is required when switching between visual tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into two lens elements with distinct optical zones (distance, intermediate, near portions) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the wearer to select and position only the required optical zone for the current visual task, reducing the need for frequent adjustments compared to Alvarez-style lenses that require continuous focusing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens elements are pre-configured with multiple optical zones at different positions along the optical axis. The wearer can preliminarily position the lens elements to match the anticipated visual task (e.g., positioning the near portion for reading or the distance portion for driving), eliminating the need for frequent re-adjustments during task transitions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If Alvarez-style variable power lenses are used, then undistorted view throughout full field of view is provided, but device complexity increases due to adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the lens into two separate elements with well-defined optical zones, the patent simplifies the overall structure compared to Alvarez-style lenses. Each lens element can be manufactured using conventional techniques, and the segmentation allows for simpler individual components that are easier to manufacture and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment mechanism is simplified by allowing movement only along the optical axis between two discrete lens elements, rather than requiring continuous focusing mechanisms. This reduces the complexity of the adjustment system while still providing the ability to eliminate peripheral distortion by positioning the appropriate optical zones.
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 flexible adjustment of optical properties to accommodate various visual tasks without the need for frequent re-adjustment, providing an undistorted view throughout the entire field of vision and improved vision in multiple application scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens element and a second lens element arranged one behind the other along an optical axis of the lens; wherein the first lens element and the second lens element are configured to vary their combined optical properties when moved relative to each other in a direction transverse to the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable spectacle lens has a first lens element and a second lens element arranged one behind the other along an optical axis of the lens. The first and second lens element are configured to vary their combined optical properties when moved relative to each other in a direction transverse to the optical axis. The adjustable lens element is an adjustable progressive lens element. The first and second lens element are configured to vary at least one of a size and a power of the near, the distance, and the intermediate portion relative to each other, when the first lens element and the second lens element are moved relative to each other in the direction transverse to the optical axis. The first and second lens elements can be configured to conjointly provide a near, a distance and an intermediate portion that can be changed depending on the visual task.