Changeable Tint Eyewear Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photochromic eyeglasses fail to adequately darken outdoors, especially in high temperatures, and have slow switching times between light and dark states, leading to consumer dissatisfaction and limited market penetration. Additionally, they do not effectively switch behind windshields due to UV filtering, and existing changeable tint devices face challenges with power consumption, switching speed, and durability.
Innovation Solution
A heat management system for eyewear comprising a transparent heating element, sensors, and a controller to manage the temperature of a changeable tint element, allowing for faster and more effective darkening and lightening of photochromic lenses, including the use of a polymer layer with a higher glass transition temperature to maintain darkness in high temperatures and switch quickly between states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If photochromic lenses are made more sensitive to UV light to darken faster outdoors, then the darkening speed improves, but the lenses become overly sensitive to ambient heat causing them to bleach at lower temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal management function by introducing a separate heating element distinct from the photochromic layer. This allows independent control of thermal conditions without affecting the photochromic material's UV sensitivity, resolving the contradiction between darkening speed and heat sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary heating element that acts as a mediator between the environment and the photochromic lenses. This intermediary provides controlled thermal energy to accelerate darkening without requiring increased UV sensitivity, thereby avoiding the side effect of excessive heat sensitivity
2Illumination intensity
If photochromic lenses use higher UV sensitivity to achieve darker state outdoors, then the light blocking capability improves, but the clearing time indoors becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary thermal action by heating the photochromic lenses before indoor transitions. This pre-heating prepares the lenses for rapid clearing by reducing the thermal mass that needs to be dissipated, thereby accelerating the clearing process without compromising outdoor light blocking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic thermal cycling through controlled heating and cooling phases. This periodic action allows the lenses to achieve deep darkening outdoors while rapidly clearing indoors, as the thermal cycles synchronize with the photochromic reaction kinetics to optimize both states
3Adaptability or versatility
If photochromic lenses are designed for fast darkening response, then the outdoor adaptability improves, but the performance degrades in high temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the thermal parameter of the photochromic lenses using controlled heating. By adjusting the temperature parameter independently of UV exposure, the system maintains optimal photochromic performance across varying environmental conditions, ensuring reliability in high temperature environments while preserving fast outdoor adaptability
4Illumination intensity
If photochromic lenses increase UV absorption to darken adequately behind windshields, then the visibility improvement improves, but the power consumption of associated heating elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial thermal action rather than continuous heating. By providing just enough thermal energy to achieve adequate clearing behind windshields and then stopping, the system minimizes power consumption while still achieving the required visibility improvement. The heating is applied selectively and temporarily rather than continuously
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 system enables photochromic lenses to darken adequately outdoors, even in high temperatures, and switch rapidly between light and dark states, improving user satisfaction and market acceptance by addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent heating element adapted to heat the changeable tint element
Implementation Method 2
photochromic eyeglasses absorb UV light
Implementation Method 3
the use of a polymer layer with a higher glass transition temperature to maintain darkness in high temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided. The device includes a base ophthalmic optic, a changeable tint element disposed over the base ophthalmic element, and a transparent heating element adapted to heat the changeable tint element. The transparent heating element is preferably adapted to heat the entire area of the changeable tint element.