Attachable Liquid Crystal Optical Element for Eye-Shielding Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eye-shielding devices, such as helmets and goggles, lack a fast and reversible light absorption mechanism that can be easily applied and removed, with limited user control over tint and light absorption, and often require integration with the device, limiting versatility and speed of response to changing light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controllable liquid crystal cell with a variable light-attenuating or photochromic-dichroic cell, combined with a controller that can be attached to the eye-shielding device after manufacture, allowing for user-controlled or automatic adjustment of tint and light absorption, with a power source and attachment mechanisms for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If photochromic devices are used for automatic light absorption, then automatic response to light conditions is achieved, but the reaction speed is slow and user control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical/photochromic mechanism with an electronically controllable liquid crystal system. The liquid crystal cell is driven by electrical signals from a controller that receives input from light sensors, enabling both automatic response and user control through electronic means rather than relying solely on slow photochromic chemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal cell provides dynamic control over light absorption by adjusting the voltage applied to the liquid crystal. This allows the system to rapidly change between clear and tinted states, and to any intermediate state, responding quickly to changing light conditions while maintaining user control through the controller interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tinting devices are integrated into the viewing lens during manufacture, then the device provides built-in light absorption, but the device becomes non-removable and less versatile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the eye-shielding device into separate functional components: the base eye-shielding device and the attachable optical element with liquid crystal cell and controller. This segmentation allows the optical element to be attached or removed as needed, providing versatility while maintaining the core protective function of the base device.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element is designed as a universal attachment that can be applied to various eye-shielding devices. The controller provides multiple functions including automatic light sensing, manual control modes, and adjustable tint levels, making the system adaptable to different user needs and conditions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional tint-adjusting devices are used, then light absorption is provided, but the response time is slow and user control over timing and degree of tinting is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow mechanical or chemical tint-adjusting mechanisms with an electronically controlled liquid crystal system. The liquid crystal cell responds instantaneously to electrical signals, enabling rapid adjustment of tint levels based on user input or automatic sensing, eliminating the delay inherent in conventional systems.
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
Provides a fast and reversible light absorption mechanism with user control over tint and light absorption, enhancing optical performance and user convenience by allowing easy attachment and detachment to any eye-shielding device, with rapid response to changing light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electronically controllable liquid crystal cell that can attenuate the transmission of light
Implementation Method 2
photochromic-dichroic cell for variably attenuating transmission of light
Implementation Method 3
photochromic-dichroic cell for variably attenuating transmission of light
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A light attenuating optical arrangement for assembly to an eye-shielding device includes an optical element having an electronically controlled guest-host liquid crystal cell for variably attenuating transmission of light, the liquid crystal cell including first and second plastic substrates. A controller is electrically connected to the liquid crystal cell and is configured to selectively supply a voltage across the liquid crystal cell. The controller is provided with a means for electrically connecting the controller to a power source, and a means for attaching the controller to the eye-shielding device. The optical element is provided with a means for attaching an outer periphery of the optical element to a surface of a viewing lens of an eye-shielding device.