Contact Lens Inversion Marking Using Liquid Crystal Phase Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contact lenses have poorly visible inversion markings that are difficult to identify, especially for individuals with vision problems, and these markings become visible only when the lens is nearly dry, making it hard to determine the correct orientation before insertion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a layer of liquid crystal material that changes its optical properties from visible to invisible based on temperature or light changes, allowing the marking to be clearly identifiable when the lens is off the eye but optically invisible when on the eye, using phase transition phenomena in nematic or cholesteric liquid crystals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a small number series marking is used at the periphery of the contact lens, then the aesthetic and optical properties are preserved, but the marking becomes barely visible and requires special effort and adequate illumination to locate and identify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs photochromic materials that undergo reversible color changes in response to light exposure. The inversion marking contains photochromic particles that remain transparent in the ground state (preserving aesthetics) but change to a visible state when exposed to specific wavelengths of light, enabling easy identification without compromising the lens appearance during normal wear
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials whose optical properties change in response to environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, or light exposure. This allows the marking to dynamically adjust its visibility based on conditions, remaining invisible during normal wear but becoming prominent when needed for identification
2Ease of operation
If the contact lens is made thin and flexible for wearer comfort, then comfort is improved, but contact lens inversion occurs upon handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual feedback mechanisms through the inversion marking that provides immediate visual confirmation of correct orientation. The photochromic or temperature-responsive marking creates a visible indicator that feedbacks to the wearer about the lens orientation, enabling quick correction if inversion occurs during handling or insertion
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the inversion marking is made highly visible when off the eye, then ease of identification is improved, but the marking may affect aesthetic properties when on the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic materials that change their optical properties based on environmental conditions. The inversion marking transitions from a visible state when the lens is off the eye (for easy identification) to an invisible or less visible state when on the eye, maintaining aesthetic properties during normal wear while ensuring visibility when needed
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 provides a highly visible and easily identifiable inversion marking that becomes invisible when the lens is on the eye, ensuring correct orientation and comfort without affecting the lens's aesthetic or optical properties, and can be manufactured using thin, versatile, and cost-effective liquid crystal layers.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a layer of liquid crystal material that changes its optical properties from visible to invisible based on temperature or light changes, allowing the marking to be clearly identifiable when the lens is off the eye but optically invisible when on the eye, using phase transition phenomena in nematic or cholesteric liquid crystals.
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic lens incorporating clearly identifiable, highly visible inversion marking(s) that become invisible when placed on the eye may be utilized to allow an individual to easily distinguish between the normal state of the lens and the inverted state of the lens. The ophthalmic lens comprises a thin material layer capable of changing its optical state from diffusive light scattering, colored, or both, to invisible transparent at the corneal temperature of a normal person, at the influence of ambient light, or a combination thereof.