Electrochromic Cell Lens Pressing Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assemblies for building electrochromic cells face challenges in evenly distributing pressing effort across diverse ophthalmic lens shapes and curvatures, risking damage to the sealing joint during assembly.

Innovation Solution

An assembly with a pressing device and holder system that applies pressure uniformly across the lens edge, using a vacuum-gripping mechanism and adaptable cup or pins to accommodate various lens shapes, combined with an adhesive to seal the cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional pressing device is used to apply pressure to the lenses, then the lenses can be pressed together to form the electrochromic cell, but the pressing effort is not evenly distributed and may damage the sealing joint

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevenness of pressing effort distributionVSAvoiddamage to sealing joint
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing device is divided into multiple pressing elements (pins or cups) distributed around the lens periphery, each independently applying pressure. This segmentation allows the total pressing force to be distributed across multiple contact points, ensuring even pressure distribution and preventing localized damage to the sealing joint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing device features localized pressing elements positioned at specific points around the lens periphery rather than a single centralized pressing mechanism. Each pressing element is designed with specific geometry (pin or cup shape) to contact the lens at optimal locations, providing locally adapted pressure application that ensures even distribution across the entire lens assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed design pressing device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various lens shapes and curvatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various lens shapesVSAvoiddesign complexity of pressing device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing device incorporates multiple types of pressing elements (both pins and cups) that can accommodate different lens shapes and curvatures. The holder system is designed to position these diverse pressing elements in various configurations, allowing a single device to universally handle multiple lens geometries including spherical, aspherical, and free-form lenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing device employs a dynamic holder system capable of adjusting the position, orientation, and configuration of pressing elements during operation. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to accommodate various lens shapes and curvatures by reconfiguring the pressing elements, rather than requiring a separate fixed device for each lens type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures even pressure distribution and secure sealing of electrochromic cells, accommodating a wide range of lens shapes without damaging the sealing joint.

Implementation Method 1

a holder (11) provided with a vacuum propagating element enabling the holder (11) to grip one of the first and second external faces of the lenses (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP4356189B1An assembly for pressing against each other two ophthalmic lenses in order to build an electrochromic cell
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP4356189B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4356189B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4356189B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This assembly (10) comprises: a first ophthalmic lens having a first internal face and a first external face; a second ophthalmic lens having a second internal face and a second external face, the second ophthalmic lens being superposed on the first ophthalmic lens; a pressing device, adapted to contact one of the first and second ophthalmic lenses (12) in a contact area and to press the first and second ophthalmic lenses (12) against each other in order to build an electrochromic cell comprising a cavity delimited by the first and second internal faces; an adhesive substance applied on at least one predetermined point of at least one of the first and second internal faces in order to seal the cavity; a holder (11) provided with a vacuum propagating element enabling the holder (11) to grip one of the first and second external faces.