Eyeglass Support for Curved Surface Reflection Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical analysis techniques and apparatuses are inadequate for performing reflection measurements on eyeglasses with curved surfaces, leading to inaccurate results and inability to quantify antireflection efficiency and UV protection effectively.

Innovation Solution

A support system with upper and lower parts featuring point-contacts and recesses to securely hold eyeglasses, combined with a reflection measurement apparatus including a light source, sensor, and adjustable ports for precise angle and position settings, allowing for accurate reflection measurements on curved eyeglass surfaces without damaging them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional reflection measurement apparatuses are used on planar samples, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but they cannot perform measurements on curved eyeglass surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to measure curved surfacesVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into multiple contact portions (first contact portions on the upper part, second contact portions on the lower part) that can independently conform to different regions of the curved eyeglass surface. This segmentation allows each contact point to adapt to local surface geometry while maintaining overall measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact portions are designed with specific geometric properties (recesses, variable distances) that match the local curvature characteristics of eyeglass surfaces. The upper and lower parts provide different contact configurations suitable for different regions of the curved surface, enabling accurate measurements adapted to local surface quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If eyeglasses are held firmly for measurement, then measurement stability is improved, but the eyeglass may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoiddamage to eyeglass
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The contact portions are designed to concentrate force at specific discrete points rather than distributing pressure across the entire surface. The first and second contact portions make localized point contacts that provide stable positioning without applying excessive or distributed pressure that could damage the eyeglass structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support device acts as an intermediary between the measurement apparatus and the eyeglass. It provides a stable holding mechanism through multiple contact portions while isolating the eyeglass from direct mechanical stress, preventing damage during the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple measurement configurations are used for different eyeglass curvatures, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy for different curvaturesVSAvoidnumber of support configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is designed with universal upper and lower parts that can accommodate various eyeglass curvatures and shapes through their multiple contact portions. The variable distances between contact portions and the recess configurations allow a single device to adapt to different measurement requirements without needing multiple specialized supports.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support device incorporates dynamic adaptability through its geometric design, where the relative positions and orientations of contact portions can effectively adjust to match different eyeglass curvatures. This dynamic adaptation is achieved through the inherent geometric flexibility of the support structure rather than mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

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

Enables simple, efficient, and accurate reflection measurements on eyeglasses with curved surfaces, effectively quantifying antireflection efficiency and UV protection, while ensuring the eyeglasses are not damaged during the process.

Implementation Method 1

a light beam which propagates in one of these recesses can impinge on the first face of the eyeglass at a measurement location situated between the three first point-contacts, and a reflection direction of the light beam from the measurement location in the eyeglass first face runs through the other one of the recesses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2758749B1Apparatus and method for performing a reflection measurement on an eyeglass
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP2758749B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2758749B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2758749B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An eyeglass support is adapted for pinch-holding the eyeglass (5) between three first contact portions (41-43) and three second contact portions (61-63). The first contact portions form a height reference for positioning the eyeglass whereas the second contact portions ensure application of the eyeglass against the first contact portions while conforming to any possible shape for the eyeglass. The support suits for being incorporated in a reflection measurement apparatus. In particular, it is useful for measuring reflection of eyeglasses provided with antireflecting coatings or for rating a protection against UV hazards which is provided by an eyeglass to a wearer of said eyeglass.