Eyewear Laminate Film Structure for Low NIR Transmission and Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyewear technologies fail to effectively reduce near-infrared (NIR) light exposure to the eye, leading to potential retinal damage and cataracts due to high NIR light transmission and reflection, which do not meet ISO standards for NIR protection categories.
Innovation Solution
A laminate film structure for eyewear comprising a near-infrared reflection layer and an absorption layer, where the absorption layer is integrated with an ophthalmic lens, absorbs and reflects NIR light to minimize exposure, with specific absorption and reflection peaks matching to achieve low total NIR transmission and reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer film structure is used for NIR protection, then the device complexity is low, but the NIR light transmission and reflection do not meet ISO standards for categories 1, 2, and 3
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the NIR protection function into two separate layers: a reflection layer that reflects NIR light and an absorption layer that absorbs transmitted NIR light. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, achieving comprehensive NIR protection meeting ISO standards while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite film structure combining a reflection layer (containing metallic or dielectric particles) with an absorption layer (containing organic or inorganic NIR-absorbing materials). This composite approach integrates multiple mechanisms (reflection and absorption) within a single protective system, achieving superior NIR blocking performance that single-layer structures cannot attain
2Ease of manufacture
If the absorption layer is integrated with the ophthalmic lens, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the absorption layer with the ophthalmic lens by integrating the NIR-absorbing material directly into the lens substrate or coating it onto the lens surface. This merging simplifies the overall manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps, while the absorption layer maintains its critical function of blocking transmitted NIR light
3Reliability
If the reflection layer is positioned on the absorption layer, then the NIR light reflection is maximized, but the visible light transmission may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the reflection layer specifically at the outer surface where NIR light first encounters the film, while the absorption layer is integrated with or positioned behind the lens. This spatial arrangement ensures that the reflection layer maximizes NIR reflection for incident light, while the absorption layer handles transmitted NIR light, and both layers are optimized independently for their respective functions without compromising visible light transmission
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 laminate film structure significantly reduces NIR light exposure, meeting ISO standards for categories 1, 2, and 3 by minimizing both transmitted and reflected NIR light, thereby protecting the eye from retinal damage and cataracts.
Implementation Method 1
a near-infrared absorption layer disposed between an eye of the wearer and the near-infrared reflection layer... the near-infrared absorption layer absorbing the near-infrared light
Implementation Method 2
a near-infrared reflection layer reflecting the near-infrared light that is incident on the near-infrared reflection layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a laminate film structure for a wearer, intended for reflecting and absorbing near-infrared light, comprising a near-infrared reflection layer reflecting the near-infrared light that is incident on the near-infrared reflection layer, and a near-infrared absorption layer disposed between an eye of the wearer and the near-infrared reflection layer, the near-infrared reflection layer being disposed on the near-infrared absorption layer and the near-infrared absorption layer absorbing the near-infrared light.