Epoxy Oligomer Lens Edge Coating for Overflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge coatings for optical lenses often result in overflow onto the optical surfaces, making it difficult to achieve complete and consistent coverage, and they lack ease of removal and rapid curing properties.
Innovation Solution
A cross-linkable composition comprising an epoxy oligomer with at least six hydroxy groups, an opacifying agent, a cross-linking agent, and a catalyst, which forms a cross-linked network upon curing, providing a coating with improved opacity, adhesion, and ease of removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional edge coating materials are used to achieve complete coverage on edge surfaces, then coating coverage is improved, but overflow onto optical surfaces occurs and is difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the coating material by using epoxy oligomers with specifically controlled hydroxy group counts (6-12 groups per molecule) and molecular weights (500-5000 g/mol), along with specific cross-linking agents and catalysts, to achieve optimal balance between coverage and ease of removal
Solution Approach 2:
The coating is designed to be easily removable like a temporary coating, allowing operators to wipe away overflow before it cures completely, sacrificing permanent adhesion in favor of ease of correction during the manufacturing process
2Reliability
If conventional coating materials are used to provide adequate opacity and adhesion, then coating performance is improved, but curing time is excessive and prevents rapid mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical reaction parameters by selecting epoxy oligomers with high hydroxy group functionality (6-12 groups) that react rapidly with cross-linking agents, and by incorporating specific catalysts to accelerate the curing reaction while maintaining complete adhesion and opacity
Solution Approach 2:
The coating comprises a composite system of epoxy oligomer, cross-linking agent, and catalyst that works synergistically to achieve both rapid curing and complete performance, combining the advantages of different material components
3Shape
If coating is applied to ensure complete edge coverage, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but removal of excess coating becomes increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is formulated as a temporary coating that remains removable for a extended working window, allowing operators to correct coverage issues and wipe away overflow easily, prioritizing ease of correction over permanent bonding strength
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 coating achieves consistent and complete coverage on the edge surface of optical lenses, allows for easy removal of overflow, and cures quickly, enabling rapid mounting of lenses while maintaining aesthetic and functional integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a cross-linkable composition comprising an epoxy oligomer... which forms a cross-linked network upon curing
Implementation Method 2
a catalyst, which accelerates the cross-linking reaction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cross-linkable composition comprising an epoxy oligomer comprising at least six hydroxy groups, to a coating obtained by curing the cross-linkable composition and to an optical lens comprising said coating on a surface thereof, in particular on the edge surface thereof. The invention also relates to a method of preparing a coating for an optical lens and to a method of coating a surface of an optical lens, in particular the edge surface of an optical lens.