Elliptical Dot Pattern for Apparent Limbal Ring in Contact Lenses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with dark brown eyes often lack distinct limbal rings, making it difficult to enhance the appearance of their eyes with conventional cosmetic contact lenses.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic contact lens featuring an elliptical dot pattern that creates an apparent limbal ring by utilizing a combination of the pattern, the underlying iris color, and the color difference between the pattern and the iris.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional cosmetic contact lenses are used on individuals with dark brown eyes, then the lens material and basic structure are provided, but distinct limbal rings cannot be created due to uniform iris color and pattern

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelimbal ring appearanceVSAvoidapplicability to dark brown eyes

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The contact lens is segmented into distinct functional zones: an optical zone for vision correction and a peripheral cosmetic zone with elliptical dot patterns for creating the limbal ring appearance. This segmentation allows the cosmetic effects to be applied specifically where needed without interfering with optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact lens applies different properties to different regions: the peripheral zone features elliptical dot patterns with specific color characteristics (different from the underlying iris) to create contrast and form the apparent limbal ring, while the central optical zone maintains clarity for vision. This local differentiation enables the limbal ring effect specifically at the periphery where it is most visible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If the elliptical dot pattern is made with high negative space (70-100%) to create apparent limbal ring, then the visual effect is enhanced, but the pattern coverage and color intensity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparent limbal ring formationVSAvoidpattern material coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The elliptical dot pattern utilizes color contrast between the pattern elements and the underlying iris to create the limbal ring effect. The pattern color is specifically selected to differ from the iris color, and the high negative space allows the underlying iris color to show through, creating a dual-tone effect that defines the apparent limbal ring boundary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than providing continuous full coverage, the pattern uses partial coverage with high negative space (70-100%). This partial action is sufficient to create the desired visual effect of a limbal ring, as the contrast between the patterned areas and the underlying iris is what defines the ring appearance, not complete coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250164822A1Cosmetic contact lens having an elliptical dot pattern suitable for forming an apparent limbal ring

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE INC

AI summary

Described are cosmetic contact lenses having features designed to enhance the appearance of the eyes and to optionally correct vision. In particular, cosmetic contact lenses have elliptical dot patterns designed to overlay irises and thereby form apparent limbal rings. For contact lens wearers with uniformly colored irises, such as dark brown irises, these cosmetic contact lenses provide a more texturized appearance to the eyes with apparent limbal rings.