Interchangeable Lens Holders for Stable Ophthalmic Lens Fitting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for comparing and switching ophthalmic lenses in-store are inefficient, requiring frequent manual adjustments and lack a tool to maintain fitting parameters during lens testing.

Innovation Solution

An eyewear system with interchangeable lens holders that maintain pupillary distance and fitting height adjustments, allowing quick and efficient switching between lenses, and optionally over existing spectacles, with landmarks for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional independent lens trial methods are used, then each lens can be tested individually, but the fitting position must be adjusted each time a lens is changed, resulting in time-consuming procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLens switching operationVSAvoidTime for lens comparison
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the lens testing function into interchangeable lens holders that can be independently swapped while keeping the frame and fitting adjustments intact. Each lens holder is a separate module containing one or more lenses, allowing rapid exchange without disturbing the overall fitting configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting parameters (pupillary distance, fitting height, nosepad position) are established once in advance and then maintained during lens comparisons. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for repeated adjustments when switching between different lens types or prescriptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lens types are demonstrated using traditional methods, then comprehensive lens comparison is possible, but repeated fitting adjustments increase practitioner workload and client waiting time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLens type comparison capabilityVSAvoidLens testing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame headwear serves multiple functions: it maintains the fitting configuration, holds interchangeable lens holders, and accommodates various lens types (single vision, progressive, bifocal). This universal design allows comprehensive lens comparison without requiring separate demonstration tools for each lens type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens holders are designed to be dynamically interchangeable while the frame maintains static fitting parameters. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different lens types and prescriptions while preserving the established fitting geometry, enabling efficient comparison across multiple lens categories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If precise fitting adjustments are made for each lens trial, then accurate optical alignment is achieved, but the complexity of repeated adjustments increases procedure time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOptical alignment precisionVSAvoidAdjustment time per lens
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frame headwear is configured with precise fitting adjustments (nosepad position, temple alignment, pupillary distance settings) established in advance. These preliminary adjustments create a stable reference framework that maintains optical alignment precision across multiple lens exchanges without requiring re-adjustment for each lens trial.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4070156B1Method and system for determining a prescription for an eye of a person
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP4070156B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4070156B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4070156B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an eyewear (10) comprising: - a frame headwear (12) configured to be worn by a user, the frame headwear comprising a front part (16), and - at least one lens holder (14), each lens holder being configured to be removably fastened to the frame headwear in a predetermined mounted position and each lens holder comprising an associated pair of ophthalmic lenses attached to said lens holder, each lens (22, 24) of the associated pair of ophthalmic lenses being configured to be movable relative to the lens holder while being attached to said lens holder.