Electrically Conductive Laminated Lens With Reduced Bezel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically conductive lenses with electrochromic and heating functional layers obstruct a significant portion of the wearer's field of view due to the presence of electrodes and electrical connections, posing performance and safety hazards in activities requiring a wide field of view.
Innovation Solution
The lenses are designed with a reduced bezel size by rearranging busbars and functional layers to the periphery, using adhesive bonding and mechanical encapsulation within sub-frames, and eliminating edge seals when used in orbital frames, while maintaining electrical connectivity through busbars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes and electrical connections are added to laminated lenses for electrochromic and heating functionality, then the lenses gain functional capabilities, but the field of view is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves electrical connections from the lens surface to the lens periphery/edge, utilizing the dimensional space around the lens rather than on its optical surface. This relocates busbars and electrical contacts to the bezel area, keeping the central optical zone clear for maximum field of view while maintaining functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the lens system: the central optical area remains transparent and free of electrical components to maximize field of view, while the peripheral bezel area contains the electrical connections and busbars. This local differentiation allows each zone to serve its optimal function.
2Area of stationary object
If busbars and electrical components are positioned at the periphery of the lens, then the field of view is maximized, but the mechanical stability and electrical connectivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the electrical connection system within the lens structure by integrating busbars into the lens periphery and nesting electrical contacts within the frame assembly. This nested arrangement ensures secure mechanical attachment and reliable electrical connectivity while maintaining a compact design that preserves field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mechanical support structure with the electrical connection system by integrating the busbar mounting into the lens frame assembly. This merging ensures that electrical components are securely held in place while maintaining optimal positioning for field of view preservation.
3Area of stationary object
If the bezel size is reduced to maximize field of view, then the opaque footprint is minimized, but the structural support and protection of electrical components become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frame assembly into outer and inner sub-frames, with the inner sub-frame specifically designed to support the lens periphery and electrical components. This segmentation allows the structural support function to be concentrated in dedicated elements rather than requiring a large overall bezel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thin-film electrical connections and flexible busbar designs that can be positioned at the lens periphery with minimal thickness. This allows structural support and electrical connectivity to be achieved with minimal bezel width, preserving field of view while maintaining component protection.
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 design maximizes the wearer's field of view by minimizing the opaque area, enhancing performance and safety in activities like sports and driving.
Implementation Method 1
The laminated lens can include two lens elements bonded together with an adhesive electrolyte layer
Implementation Method 2
an electrochromic layer over the electrically conductive layer configured to provide electrochromic functionality to the laminated lens
Implementation Method 3
an electrically conductive layer over the polymer layer configured to conduct electric current
Implementation Method 4
The electrically conductive layer can provide a heating functionality to the laminated lens
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to eyewear (e.g., goggles, eye glasses, sun glasses, helmet shields, helmet visors, etc.) that can maximize the wearer's field of view when laminated lenses having electrically conductive functional layers (e.g., electrochromic and/or heating layers) are used. Improved field of view can be accomplished by means of reducing the bezel size of the laminated lens. For example, the bezel's non-transparent footprint can be reduced by stacking electronic components at a peripheral edge of the lens and securing with a frame assembly rather than a separate edge seal.