Ophthalmic Lens Peripheral Electronic Strip Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing ophthalmic equipment requires multiple frames pre-equipped with electronic components to activate and control various functionalities of ophthalmic lenses, leading to stock and availability issues due to the numerous combinations of functionalities.

Innovation Solution

Integrating electronic components in the form of a strip along the periphery of the ophthalmic lens, allowing for their installation directly with the lens and potentially eliminating the need for components in the frame, while enabling discreet placement and efficient distribution of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic components are arranged in frames to control ophthalmic lens functionalities, then the functionalities can be activated and controlled, but the number of frames must be pre-equipped with electronic components leading to stock and availability problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality combinationsVSAvoidframe configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electronic components from the frame structure and integrates them directly onto the ophthalmic lens. This allows the lens to be equipped with electronic components independently, eliminating the need to pre-equip multiple frame variants with different electronic configurations. The lens becomes a self-contained unit with integrated functionality control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By integrating electronic components directly onto the ophthalmic lens, the invention creates a universal lens platform that can be used with various frames. The lens itself becomes the universal carrier of electronic functionalities, allowing the same lens design to serve multiple frame types and functionality combinations without requiring pre-equipped frame variants.

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

2Ease of operation

If electronic components are placed in frames, then they can control lens functionalities, but components may interfere with wearer vision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality controlVSAvoidvisual interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electronic components from the frame structure and relocates them to the periphery of the ophthalmic lens. This positioning removes the components from the central visual field, placing them in areas less likely to interfere with the wearer's vision while maintaining their ability to control lens functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions the placement of electronic components from the three-dimensional frame structure to the two-dimensional surface of the ophthalmic lens, specifically at the periphery. This dimensional change allows components to be distributed along the lens edge or surface, optimizing their position to minimize visual interference while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple frames are pre-equipped with electronic components for different functionalities, then functionality control is available, but stock management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality optionsVSAvoidstock availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electronic functionality integration from the frame to the lens level. This creates independent, self-contained lens units with integrated electronic components, allowing for standardized lens production that can be stocked independently of frame inventory. Each lens becomes a complete functional unit that can be managed separately from frame stock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs the electronic component integration during lens manufacturing rather than during frame assembly. This preliminary action allows electronic functionalities to be built into the lens at production time, creating ready-to-use lens units that can be stocked and distributed without requiring subsequent frame equipping or customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3187921B1Ophthalmic device including an ophthalmic lens and a plurality of electronic components
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3187921B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an ophthalmic lens for spectacles and a plurality of electronic components arranged in the form of at least one strip in contact with and around the periphery of said ophthalmic lens. Ophthalmic equipment comprising at least one frame and at least one such ophthalmic device.