Customized Optical Elements for Low-Cost Vision Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical components such as sunglasses, ski-goggles, and virtual reality goggles are not tailored to the specific visual impairments of individuals, leading to limited choices and high costs for customized solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing customized optical elements by adjusting the shape of a deformable membrane within a cavity filled with a solidifiable liquid material to match the visual needs of the user, allowing attachment to existing optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical components are manufactured specifically to the needs of visual impairment, then visual correction effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The optical correction function is segmented from the optical component itself. Instead of manufacturing custom optical components, the patent uses separate optical elements (stickers) that can be applied to standard optical components. This segmentation allows the correction function to be customized independently while keeping the base component standardized and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of existing components by applying optical elements with specific optical powers and aberration corrections. Rather than manufacturing components with different parameters from scratch, the system modifies the optical properties of standard components through attachment of corrective elements tailored to individual visual impairment parameters.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard optical components are used without customization, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but visual correction effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical correction is made dynamic and adaptable. The optical elements can be customized and applied based on individual user needs, allowing the system to adapt standard components to specific visual requirements. This dynamic customization approach maintains low base manufacturing costs while providing effective correction when needed.
3Reliability
If custom optical components are manufactured for each user, then visual correction is optimized, but device complexity and selection process become prohibitively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical elements that can be produced using standardized manufacturing processes (copying proven designs). Rather than creating entirely new custom components for each user, the system uses replicated optical elements with specific optical powers that can be mass-produced and then selected/applied to match individual needs, reducing both manufacturing and selection complexity.
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
Enables cost-effective customization of optical properties like optical power and aberrations in existing optical components, providing personalized visual correction without the need for expensive replacements.
Implementation Method 1
Solidifying the liquid material to obtain the optical element, wherein the first surface of the optical element conforms to the first deformable membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a customized optical element to adjust an optical property of an optical component, such as goggles, wherein the method comprises the steps of receiving customer data indicative of a visual defect a person and/or a desired visual correction of the optical component; determining, from the customer data, the shape of a first surface of an optical element to be manufactured, such that the optical component, when the optical element is applied to an optical surface of the optical component, compensates at least partially or entirely the visual defect of the person or exhibits the desired visual correction; manufacturing the optical element using a liquid material that when brought in shape, is solidified.