Transparent Lens Embedded Decorative Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current decorative techniques for transparent plastic lenses are limited in providing a wide range of aesthetic effects while maintaining transparency and optical quality, and existing methods often expose decorations to damage or lack three-dimensional depth, failing to offer industrial scalability and protection for embedded elements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mold with variable dimensions to embed decorative elements within the transparent plastic lens, using a molding process that includes fixing the elements inside a cavity and casting or injecting a transparent plastic material, ensuring encapsulation and protection, allowing for various shapes, materials, and visual functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decorative elements are applied on the surface of lenses using conventional techniques (inkjet printing, vacuum coating, laser marking), then aesthetic effects and branding are achieved, but the decorative elements remain exposed to damage and lack three-dimensional depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds decorative elements inside the lens mass during the molding process, nesting the decorative components within the transparent plastic material. This encapsulation protects the decorative elements from external damage while integrating them seamlessly into the lens structure, eliminating the need for separate protection layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative elements are fixed inside the mold cavity before the transparent plastic material is injected or cast. This preliminary positioning ensures that the decorative elements are encapsulated within the lens mass from the beginning of the manufacturing process, providing inherent protection without requiring additional post-processing steps.
2Shape
If decorative elements are embedded inside the lens mass, then protection and three-dimensional depth are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the decorative element fixation step with the lens molding process into a single integrated operation. By fixing decorative elements in the mold cavity and then injecting or casting the transparent plastic material in the same manufacturing cycle, the process achieves three-dimensional embedded decoration without requiring separate assembly steps, maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold cavity serves multiple functions: it defines the lens shape, positions the decorative elements, and contains the transparent plastic material during injection or casting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixtures or assembly jigs, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving complex embedded decoration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wide range of decorative techniques are applied to lenses, then aesthetic possibilities are expanded, but transparency and optical quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different materials and decorative effects only in specific local regions of the lens where aesthetics are desired, while the majority of the lens maintains its transparent plastic composition with optimal optical properties. This localized application of decorative elements allows for aesthetic versatility without compromising the overall transparency and optical quality of the lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where transparent plastic material is combined with various decorative materials (metal pieces, crystals, photochromic elements, etc.) within the lens mass. This composite approach enables diverse aesthetic effects while maintaining the optical integrity of the transparent plastic matrix, as the decorative elements are dispersed throughout the material rather than forming continuous obstructive layers.
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
This method enhances the aesthetic and protective qualities of decorated lenses by encapsulating 3D or 2D elements, offering new design possibilities without compromising the lens's transparency or mechanical integrity, thus improving the overall quality and durability of the optical lens.
Implementation Method 1
curing said molding liquid comprising monomers of a transparent plastic material
Implementation Method 2
cooling said transparent thermoplastic material
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a molded ophthalmic article (1) comprising at least one decorative element (2), said method comprises the steps of: a- providing a mold (100) comprising a first mold element (102) and a second mold element (104) configured to cooperate together in a closed position to define a cavity (3), b- fixing said at least one decorative element (2) inside said cavity (3), c- casting a molding liquid comprising monomers of a transparent plastic material or injecting a transparent thermoplastic material inside said cavity (3), d- curing said molding liquid comprising monomers of a transparent plastic material or cooling said transparent thermoplastic material and demolding said mold (100) to obtain a molded ophthalmic article (1) comprising at least one decorative element (2).