Eyelash Manipulation Tool for Pinhole Visual Acuity Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current refractive error correction methods, such as glasses and pinhole glasses, are not optimally effective for all individuals due to variations in pupil size and refractive defects, and there is a need for improved tools and methods to enhance visual acuity.

Innovation Solution

A method and tool for manipulating eyelashes to optimize spacing and orientation, utilizing mechanical tools and materials like lash curlers, combs, and fibrous substances to create pinhole or diffractive effects, which can improve visual acuity by reducing light exposure and focusing light more accurately on the retina.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If glasses or contact lenses are used to correct refractive errors, then visual acuity is improved, but the device complexity and adaptability to individual variations in pupil size and refractive defects become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual acuityVSAvoidadaptability to individual variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating pinhole apertures at specific locations corresponding to individual pupil positions and sizes. Each person receives customized pinhole glasses with holes placed at unique locations based on their specific refractive error characteristics, making the correction locally adapted to their eye structure rather than using a universal lens approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the size, shape, and position of pinhole apertures based on individual refractive error parameters. The pinhole diameter and location are adjusted according to each person's specific pupillary distance, pupil size, and refractive defect magnitude, transforming the fixed-parameter lens approach into a variable-parameter aperture system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If pinhole glasses are used to improve visual acuity through the pinhole effect, then light exposure is reduced and focusing is improved, but the device complexity increases due to customization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual acuityVSAvoidcustomization requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the correction system into modular components: frame structures, interchangeable aperture inserts, and positioning mechanisms. This allows the complex customized pinhole configuration to be broken into manageable segments that can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining customization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If eyelashes are manipulated to create pinhole or diffractive effects, then visual acuity is improved with a simpler approach, but the manipulation precision and consistency become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual acuityVSAvoidmanipulation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary elements such as adhesive tapes, gel substances, or mechanical attachment devices that mediate between the eyelash manipulation tool and the eyelashes themselves. These intermediaries provide controlled attachment points and consistent positioning, ensuring precise and repeatable eyelash configuration without requiring direct manual manipulation of each lash.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 manipulation of eyelashes using these tools and methods can enhance visual acuity by simulating the pinhole effect, reducing light entry, and improving focusing, offering a more personalized and effective refractive correction solution.

Implementation Method 1

manipulating at least one of spacing, orientation, direction, contour or shape of the eyelashes to create a pinhole or diffractive effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPinhole effect:

Implementation Method 2

manipulating at least one of spacing, orientation, direction, contour or shape of the eyelashes to create a pinhole or diffractive effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS11758996B2Method for facilitating pinhole effect and tool to manipulate eyelash spacing for pinhole effect

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 THOMPSON VANCE M

AI summary

A method of compensating for a refractive error, including manipulating eyelashes to project into a line of sight of an eye at least when an eyelid from which the eyelashes extend is partially closed or when the eye is moved relative to the eyelid. The method may further include manipulating at least one of spacing, orientation, direction, contour or shape of the eyelashes to create an optical effect that improves visual acuity when the eyelashes project into the line of sight and training an individual whose eyelashes are manipulated to position the eyelid from which the eyelashes extend, the eye or both the eyelid and the eye from which the eyelashes extend to achieve relative positioning of the eye and the eyelid to obtain the optical effect that improves visual acuity when desired.