Auto-focusing Fluid Cell Optical System for Presbyopia Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional eyewear for presbyopes inadequately addresses both static and dynamic aspects of presbyopia, requiring multiple segments and significant head movement to focus on objects at different distances, and lacks flexibility in refractive error correction.

Innovation Solution

The development of variable focal length optical assemblies, known as Lnzwear, which utilize fluid cells to adjust spherical and cylindrical lens powers in real time, allowing for continuous focus at any distance and independent correction of refractive errors, with automatic or manual control systems to align the optics with the user's eyes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed focal length lenses with multiple segments are used, then refractive error correction is provided, but the device requires significant head movement and has limited adaptability to different viewing distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different viewing distancesVSAvoidhead movement requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a fluid crystal lens that can dynamically change its focal length in real-time based on the distance to the object of interest. Unlike traditional fixed focal length lenses that require physical segment switching through head movement, this dynamic lens continuously adjusts its optical power, eliminating the need for gross head rotation and providing seamless focus transition between near and far objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the optical parameter (focal length) of the lens by varying the refractive index of the fluid crystal material through applied voltage. This allows the lens to transform from a fixed focal length system to a variable focal length system, enabling continuous adaptation to different viewing distances without mechanical movement of multiple lens segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional rigid lenses are used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the device cannot address dynamic focusing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic focus capabilityVSAvoidoptical correction precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple fixed lens segments with an electro-optical system using fluid crystal material. Instead of mechanically switching between rigid lens segments, the system uses electrical voltage to change the refractive index of the fluid crystal, thereby adjusting the focal length. This substitution maintains optical precision while enabling dynamic focusing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lens segments are stacked vertically, then different focal lengths are provided, but the vertical height is limited and each segment has short height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal length varietyVSAvoidvertical height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single lens structure multi-functional by enabling it to provide multiple focal lengths through electrical control of the fluid crystal's refractive index. Instead of requiring multiple separate physical lens segments stacked vertically, one universal lens can dynamically assume different optical powers, eliminating the vertical height constraint while maintaining focal length variety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Lnzwear provides complete correction for presbyopia, enabling clear vision at any distance without the need for multiple segments, reducing the risk of accidents and improving dynamic focus, while also allowing for mono-vision and eye muscle rehabilitation.

Implementation Method 1

An optical focal length of the optical cell is changed by introducing fluid into the volume under sufficient hydraulic pressure to deform the plate to shape the fluid into a spherical lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

deform the plate to shape the fluid into a spherical lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11347079B2Auto-focusing fluid cell optical system

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 FLOYD JOHNNIE E

AI summary

A control system for an optical assembly having a fluid optical cell coupled to a hydraulic drive system includes a detector system that detects a line-of-sight of a user based on electromagnetic energy reflected from an eye of a user. The control system additionally includes a controller configured to determine a distance to an observed object based on the detected line-of-sight. The control system is also configured to control the hydraulic drive system to modify hydraulic pressure applied to the fluid optical cell such that the fluid optical cell is focused on the observed object.