Electrochromic Lens Photosensor Placement for Fast Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic eyewear technologies face issues with poor light/dark switching speeds, high costs, and limited functionality in various environments, particularly indoors and in vehicles, due to poor placement of photosensors, lack of automation, and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrochromic eyewear with an integrated photosensor placed behind the lens, a microprocessor-based controller, and a rechargeable power source, which automatically adjusts the electrochromic lens to maintain a constant light level at the user's eyes, using a flexible circuit for seamless component integration and protection from direct sunlight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If photochromic materials are used in eyewear lenses, then the lenses can automatically darken in bright sunlight and lighten indoors, but the switching speed is poor and the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive photochromic chemical system with an active electrochromic system controlled by electrical voltage. This substitution enables faster switching speeds through electrical control while reducing costs by using more efficient materials and eliminating the need for expensive photochromic chemistry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from UV light exposure (photochromic) to electrical voltage application (electrochromic). This parameter change enables the lens to respond to light levels through electronic control, achieving faster switching and lower costs while maintaining the desired functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If photochromic lenses are used, then they can switch between light and dark states, but they fail to operate indoors or in automobiles because they require UV light to activate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal eyewear system that functions across multiple environments (outdoors, indoors, vehicles) by using electrochromic materials responsive to electrical voltage rather than UV light. This multi-functional approach eliminates environmental limitations and ensures reliable operation in all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing UV-light-dependent photochromic chemistry with voltage-controlled electrochromic materials, the system achieves reliable operation in environments without UV light, such as indoors and in vehicles, while maintaining the ability to darken in bright outdoor conditions.
3Measurement precision
If photosensors are placed in exterior positions for light detection, then the light level can be sensed, but the output is distorted by exposure to direct sunlight or spotlights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the photosensor inside a conical cavity structure that shields it from direct external light sources. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to accurately measure ambient light levels without being distorted by direct sunlight or spotlights, while still enabling the electrochromic lens to respond appropriately to lighting conditions.
4Productivity
If electrochromic materials are used without automated control, then the components can be simplified, but the light/dark switching speed remains poor and functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated control where the photosensor continuously monitors ambient light levels and the controller automatically adjusts the electrochromic lens without user intervention. This self-service system maintains optimal lighting conditions at the user's eyes while achieving fast switching speeds through automated voltage control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the photosensor detects ambient light levels and feeds this information to the controller, which then adjusts the electrochromic lens accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures fast and accurate light/dark switching while maintaining appropriate lighting conditions in various environments.
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 solution provides improved light/dark switching speeds, operational effectiveness in diverse environments, and cost-effective manufacturing, ensuring consistent light levels for users across different conditions, including indoors and in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
electrochromic materials provide a color change in response to an applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
a photosensor that may be placed behind the electrochromic lens, which may thereby sample a light level at a user's eye
Data Source
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AI summary
Electrochromic eyewear that include a removable electrochromic lens are provided herein.