Electrochromic Lens Wafer Shoulder for Infiltration-Resistant Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic lenses, particularly electrochromic lenses, face challenges in assembly complexity and risk of water or dust infiltration between the wafer and optical element, with visible metal strips or glue beads compromising aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A wafer with a perimeter shoulder and adhesive material applied only on the perimeter front surface, combined with an opaque coating to conceal metal strips, ensures secure bonding and prevents infiltration while maintaining optical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive material is applied between the wafer and optical element, then bonding strength is improved, but risk of water or dust infiltration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wafer is divided into a central section and a perimeter section with different thicknesses. The perimeter section has a reduced thickness that matches the adhesive material thickness, creating a segmented structure that prevents infiltration pathways while maintaining bonding strength in the central region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the wafer are given different properties: the central section maintains full thickness for optical performance, while the perimeter section has reduced thickness to accommodate the adhesive layer without creating infiltration channels. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between bonding and infiltration prevention.
2Ease of manufacture
If metal strips or glue beads are visible on the lens, then assembly simplicity is maintained, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The visible metal strips and glue beads are extracted from the front-facing surface. The perimeter section is designed with reduced thickness to conceal the adhesive material, and metal strips are positioned on the back surface or edges where they are not visible, eliminating the aesthetic defect while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The perimeter section creates a visual transition that conceals the adhesive material and metal strips from view. By reducing the thickness at the perimeter, the structure naturally hides the non-aesthetic elements, creating a uniform appearance on the front surface while maintaining the functional assembly.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wafer thickness is reduced at the perimeter, then infiltration risk is decreased, but structural strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wafer structure is segmented into a thick central section that maintains structural integrity and optical properties, and a thin perimeter section that prevents infiltration. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The wafer structure functions as a composite system where the central section provides structural strength and the perimeter section provides infiltration prevention. The combination of these two regions with different thicknesses creates a structure that simultaneously achieves both structural integrity and infiltration resistance.
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
The solution enhances the durability and aesthetic appeal of electrochromic lenses by preventing dust and water ingress, while allowing for electronic control of light transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The wafer and optical element are bonded to each other by an adhesive material
Implementation Method 2
An electrochromic cell typically has a structure comprising two flat transparent outer layers, for example two surfaces made of organic or mineral material, on which transparent electrically conductive coatings are deposited on the inner faces thereof. An electrochromic composition fills a cavity formed between the two electrically conductive coatings. It is thus possible to vary the light transmission value of the cell by applying an electric field between the electrically conductive coatings.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D
AI summary
The present invention concerns an optical system (1) comprising a wafer (3) and an optical element (5). The wafer and the optical element are bonded to each other by an adhesive material (7), and the wafer has a perimeter shoulder (9). Typically, the wafer comprises a back surface designed according to the prescription of a wearer and a front surface intended to be bonded to the optical element. The optical element can be an electrochromic cell.