Electrochromic Contact Lens for Adjustable Color and Opacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact lenses have fixed optical properties such as color and transparency, which cannot be changed after manufacture, limiting their cosmetic and functional possibilities.
Innovation Solution
Development of electrochromic contact lenses that can electronically adjust their color and transparency/opacity in response to electrical signals, utilizing an electrochromic layer, sensors, and control circuitry for real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If contact lenses use fixed optical properties manufactured at production time, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens incorporates an electrochromic layer that can dynamically change its optical properties (color and transparency) in response to electrical signals. This dynamic capability allows the lens to adapt between different states (clear, colored, opaque) rather than being fixed at manufacturing, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the contact lens by introducing an electrochromic material that alters its light transmission properties when voltage is applied. This parameter change mechanism enables the lens to transition between transparent and opaque states, providing versatility without permanently complicating the base structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If contact lenses incorporate electrochromic layers and control circuitry for real-time adjustments, then adaptability and functionality are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens is designed to perform multiple functions: vision correction, cosmetic coloration, and dynamic transparency control. By integrating the electrochromic layer into the existing contact lens structure, the invention achieves multi-functionality without requiring entirely separate systems, thus managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic layer is implemented as a thin film within the contact lens structure, allowing it to conform to the flexible, curved surface of the lens. This thin-film approach minimizes the added complexity and bulk that would result from thicker electronic components, enabling integration while maintaining lens flexibility and wearability.
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 real-time, user-controlled or automatically adjusted color and opacity changes for cosmetic or protective purposes, enhancing the versatility and functionality of contact lenses.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic layer for adjusting the opacity, color, or both, of the contact lens
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed of an eye-mountable device (300) including a lens enclosure including an anterior layer (305) and a posterior layer (310) sealed to the anterior layer. An anterior electrode (315) is disposed within the lens enclosure on a concave side of the anterior layer, a posterior electrode (320) is disposed within the lens enclosure on a convex side of the posterior layer, and an element (325) changing colour or opacity on demand is disposed across a central region of the lens enclosure, wherein the element separates the anterior electrode (315) from the posterior electrode (320) within the central region and can comprise liquid crystal material with a guest dye or electro-chromic material.