Tunable Fluidic Lens with Immersed Shaper for Presbyopia Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical devices for vision correction, such as spectacles, often require multiple lenses for different visual tasks and cannot easily adjust to changing focal lengths, particularly for conditions like presbyopia, and do not account for individual differences in refractive power between eyes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-filled optical device with a flexible membrane and a lens shaper that adjusts curvature by varying the fluid pressure, using actuators like piezo elements or electropermanent magnets to change the focal length, allowing for continuous adjustment and matching refractive indices to minimize image jump and accommodate different visual needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are used for different visual tasks, then vision correction for different distances is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic fluid-filled lens system where the focal length can be continuously adjusted by changing the pressure of the enclosed fluid. This allows a single lens to replace multiple static lenses, providing adaptability for different visual tasks (distance, intermediate, and near vision) without requiring multiple separate lens elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical power of the lens is adjusted by changing physical parameters - specifically the pressure and volume of the fluid contained within the lens structure. By varying these parameters, the curvature of the flexible membrane changes, thereby adjusting the focal length to accommodate different viewing distances, eliminating the need for multiple lenses.
2Speed
If focal length is adjusted rapidly, then switching speed between visual tasks is improved, but image stability deteriorates due to image jump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves index matching by selecting materials for the flexible membrane and surrounding optical elements having the same or very similar refractive indices as the fluid inside the lens. This eliminates refraction at the interfaces between different materials, preventing image jump and maintaining image stability during rapid focal length transitions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluid pressure is increased to adjust curvature, then focal length adjustment range is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as screws, levers, or motors that physically deform the lens) with a fluid pressure system. This allows focal length adjustment through controlled fluid volume changes or pressure variations, which can be achieved with minimal energy input compared to mechanical systems, while providing a broader and smoother adjustment range.
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 a versatile, compact, and adjustable optical device that can seamlessly switch between distant and near vision without image jump, accommodating presbyopia and individual eye differences, with fast tuning speeds and low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent membrane (21) that is flexible and stretchable
Implementation Method 2
a transparent lens shaper (22) that is immersed in the fluid and connected to the membrane, so that the lens shaper defines a curvature-adjustable area (23) of the membrane
Implementation Method 3
at least a first lens (100) having an adjustable focal length, wherein the first lens comprises a container that defines a volume which is filled with a transparent fluid
Implementation Method 4
using actuators like piezo elements or electropermanent magnets to change the focal length
Implementation Method 5
using actuators like piezo elements or electropermanent magnets to change the focal length
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical device (1), comprising: at least a first lens 100) having an adjustable focal length, wherein the first lens (100) comprises a container (2) that defines a volume (V) which is filled with a transparent fluid (F), and wherein the container (2) comprises a front wall (20), which front wall (20) comprises a transparent membrane (21) that is flexible and stretchable and a transparent lens shaper (22) that is immersed in the fluid (F) and connected to the membrane (21), so that the lens shaper (22) defines a curvature-adjustable area (23) of the membrane (21), and wherein the container (2) comprises a back wall (30) facing the front wall (20), wherein the fluid (F) is arranged between the front wall (20) and the back wall (30), and wherein the back wall (30) forms a lens.