Antifogging Coating Temporary Layer for Uniform Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antifogging coatings for optical articles, such as ophthalmic lenses, face challenges in achieving effective and durable antifogging properties due to uneven layer deposition and difficulties in removing excess hydrophilic compounds, leading to reproducibility issues and operator discomfort during the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A temporary layer comprising metal fluorides and compounds with magnesium and oxygen is deposited on the optical article, allowing for the easy and efficient removal of excess hydrophilic compounds, ensuring a uniform precursor coating for antifogging properties and preventing slipping during edging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a layer of grafted hydrophilic compound is formed directly with a thickness that does not require removal of excess, then the deposition process is simplified, but the layer surface does not have sufficient affinity with surfactant liquid solution, resulting in poor antifogging properties and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies excessive action by depositing an excess layer of hydrophilic compound (organosilane) that extends beyond the required thickness, then selectively removing the excess portion. This ensures that the remaining grafted layer has sufficient thickness and surface affinity for surfactant bonding, while the excess material is removed through a controlled process involving a temporary layer and washing steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If excess hydrophilic compound is deposited and manual wiping is used for removal, then the desired final thickness is achieved, but the process becomes long, difficult, and painful for the operator, negatively impacting productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporary layer comprising metal fluoride or magnesium oxide as an intermediary substance. This temporary layer is deposited over the excess hydrophilic compound and serves as a mediator that facilitates easy removal. The temporary layer can be removed together with the excess hydrophilic compound through a single washing step, eliminating the need for prolonged manual wiping and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the discarding principle by systematically removing the excess hydrophilic compound that is not needed for the final coating. The excess material, along with the temporary layer, is discarded through washing, while the necessary grafted hydrophilic compound is retained to form the functional antifogging coating surface.
3Ease of manufacture
If excess hydrophilic compound is deposited without visual monitoring capability, then the deposition process is simplified, but cosmetic problems arise and the removal process becomes difficult since the layer is transparent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color changes by employing a temporary layer comprising metal fluoride or magnesium oxide that provides visual contrast. This temporary layer allows operators to visually monitor the deposition and removal processes, as it creates a visible appearance that changes during the manufacturing steps. The temporary layer's visual properties enable quality control and ensure cosmetic quality of the final product.
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 simplifies the removal process, enhances productivity, and ensures reliable antifogging performance by facilitating the deposition of a uniform antifogging coating, reducing operator discomfort and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
depositing, at the surface of said precursor coating for the antifogging coating, a temporary layer comprising at least one compound selected from metal fluorides and compounds comprising magnesium and oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical article, preferably an ophthalmic lens, including a substrate having at least one main surface and a precursor coating of an anti-fog coating, the precursor coating in direct contact with either the main surface of the substrate, or with a first coating, when the main surface of the substrate is coated with a first coating, the precursor coating being formed by a deposition of at least one hydrophilic compound A on the substrate or on the first coating, including an inner portion in which the compound A is grafted on the substrate or on the first coating, and an outer portion that can be removed by washing and/or wiping, resulting from the deposition of the compound A, and being coated with a temporary layer, in direct contact with the compound, including at least one compound selected from the metal fluorides and the compounds including magnesium and oxygen.