Functional Lens Edge Ridge Prevents Adhesive Delamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polarizing lenses with a multilayer structure face challenges in fitting to frames due to separation or delamination of the functional layer, especially when tightly fitted, leading to reduced yield and efficiency in production.

Innovation Solution

A functional lens with an edge face formed in a ridge shape having a peak positioned at the interior side relative to the adhesive layer, preventing frictional contact with the frame and ensuring the adhesive layer does not contact the frame during fitting, thereby preventing separation of the functional layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the polarizing lens is fitted tightly to the frame, then the fit quality is improved, but the adhesive layer softens and causes separation of the polarizing layer at the edge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit qualityVSAvoidadhesive layer stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent forms a recess in the edge face of the lens body before fitting the lens to the frame. This preliminary structural preparation creates a buffer zone that prevents the adhesive layer from contacting the frame during fitting, thereby preventing softening and separation while still allowing tight fitting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If heating is applied to fit the lens to the resin frame, then the ease of fitting is improved, but the adhesive layer softens and causes separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of fittingVSAvoidadhesive layer stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The recess structure is formed in advance on the lens edge face, creating a protective buffer zone before the fitting process begins. This preliminary preparation allows the adhesive layer to be protected from frame contact during both heated and cold fitting operations, preventing softening-induced separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the lens has a flat edge face, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the lens cannot be properly fitted to the frame groove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge face manufacturingVSAvoidfitting to frame

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The edge face is segmented into different functional zones: a recess portion that contacts the frame groove and provides fitting functionality, and other portions that maintain the original lens structure. This segmentation allows proper frame fitting while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3279718B1Functional lens and functional eyeglasses provided with same

Publication Date: 2023.05.03 POLYPLASTICS-EVONIK CORP

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AI summary

A functional lens which effectively prevents the separation of a functional layer in a fitting operation of a multilayer functional lens to a frame, and a pair of functional glasses with the lens are provided. The functional lens comprises a lens body 1 and a laminate 2 on the lens body 1. The laminate 2 comprises, in sequence, a first thermoplastic resin layer 3, a first adhesive layer 4, an optically functional layer (e.g., a polarizing film) 5, a second adhesive layer 6, and a second thermoplastic resin layer 7. The functional lens is to be fitted in a groove of a frame. The functional lens has an edge face having a shape with a peak. The peak of the edge face is positioned at a fitting side (the lens body 1 side) relative to the first adhesive layer.