Contact Lens Shadow Effect Asymmetric Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contact lenses fail to effectively maintain a cosmetic shadow effect on the eye, which enhances the appearance of the upper eyelid margin and eyelashes, as they lack a design that creates a convincing illusion of shadowing or fuller lashes.

Innovation Solution

The contact lens features a cosmetic pattern with a darkened peripheral portion, specifically an arcuate pattern in the iris zone, combined with a limbal ring and graduated coloring, to create a shadow effect by blending with the wearer's eyelid and lashes, enhancing the appearance of the eyelid margin and lashes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a cosmetic pattern with darkened peripheral portion is provided to create a shadow effect, then the visual enhancement of upper eyelid and lashes is improved, but the lens may rotate or shift from the desired position on the eye

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshadow effect visibilityVSAvoidlens orientation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric stabilization zones positioned at non-symmetric locations relative to the lens center and the cosmetic pattern. This asymmetric configuration creates a unique fit between the stabilization zones and corresponding features on the eye, preventing lens rotation while maintaining the desired shadow effect orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements localized stabilization zones with specific thickness variations at predetermined positions on the lens periphery. These localized modifications provide rotational stability without affecting the overall cosmetic pattern or shadow effect, as the stabilization features are confined to specific regions that do not interfere with the visual enhancement areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If the lens periphery is thickened for stabilization, then the lens orientation is maintained, but the cosmetic pattern and shadow effect may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens orientation stabilityVSAvoidshadow effect quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lens into distinct functional zones: a central optical zone containing the cosmetic pattern for shadow effect, and a peripheral zone containing stabilization zones with modified thickness. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, with the stabilization zones positioned in the periphery where they do not interfere with the cosmetic pattern in the central iris zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a dimensional aspect to stabilization by creating thickness variations in the lens periphery rather than modifying the two-dimensional cosmetic pattern. The stabilization zones are formed by varying the third dimension (thickness) of the lens material, allowing rotational stability to be achieved without altering the visual appearance or shadow effect quality of the cosmetic pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If symmetric thin zones are used for dynamic stabilization, then lens movement is controlled, but the shadow effect orientation may not be precisely maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens movement controlVSAvoidshadow effect orientation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric stabilization zones positioned at non-symmetric locations relative to the lens center and the cosmetic pattern. This asymmetric configuration creates a unique fit between the stabilization zones and corresponding features on the eye, preventing lens rotation while maintaining the desired shadow effect orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2699957B1Contact lens with shadow effect
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC
  • EP2699957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2699957B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2699957B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A contact lens with a central portion, an iris portion, and a peripheral portion disposed about the iris portion; wherein the iris portion contains an arcuate colored or tinted portion that provides a shadow effect; the peripheral portion can be colored white and can have a pattern that graduates to transparent towards the outer diameter of the lens.