Mesogen-Containing Compounds for Dynamic Polarization Glare Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional linearly polarizing elements are limited in their ability to reduce reflected light glare in low-light conditions and are not well-suited for storing or displaying information due to their static, tinted nature, while photochromic elements lack linear polarization capabilities, resulting in inadequate glare reduction.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel mesogen-containing compounds and liquid crystal polymers that incorporate photochromic-dichroic materials, allowing for dynamic changes in polarization state in response to actinic radiation, enhancing glare reduction and information storage/display capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional linearly polarizing elements are used, then glare reduction is achieved, but performance in low-light conditions deteriorates due to tint

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare reductionVSAvoidlow-light performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the polarization state changeable rather than static. The linearly polarizing element can dynamically adjust between different polarization states (including linear and circular polarization) in response to environmental conditions, allowing it to maintain glare reduction capability while adapting to low-light conditions without permanent tint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the polarization characteristics (absorption ratio, polarization type) of the element based on external stimuli such as actinic radiation. This allows the element to change its optical parameters dynamically, transitioning from a fixed tinted state to a variable state that can optimize both glare reduction and low-light performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional linearly polarizing elements are used, then linear polarization is achieved, but information storage/display capability deteriorates due to static state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinear polarization capabilityVSAvoidinformation storage/display capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the polarizing element dynamic by enabling it to switch between multiple polarization states (linear, circular, and intermediate states) in response to actinic radiation. This dynamic capability allows the element to encode and display information through state changes, transforming it from a static filter to an active information display medium while maintaining linear polarization functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing an element that simultaneously provides linear polarization, circular polarization, and information display capabilities. The same material structure can perform multiple functions: filtering glare through linear polarization, adapting to lighting conditions through state changes, and storing/displaying information through reversible transitions between polarization states.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If photochromic elements are used, then adaptability to light conditions is improved, but linear polarization capability deteriorates due to insufficient absorption ratio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to light conditionsVSAvoidglare reduction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges photochromic properties with dichroic linear polarization properties into a single integrated material system. This combination allows the element to simultaneously exhibit light-adapting photochromic behavior and strong linear polarization capability through the dichroic component, achieving both adaptability and effective glare reduction that neither property could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 mesogen-containing compounds and photochromic-dichroic materials provide improved glare reduction in varying light conditions and enable the storage or display of information by dynamically adjusting polarization, overcoming the limitations of conventional polarizing and photochromic elements.

Implementation Method 1

conventional photochromic elements, such as photochromic lenses that are formed using conventional thermally reversible photochromic materials, are generally capable of converting from a first state, for example, a 'clear state,' to a second state, for example, a 'colored state,' in response to actinic radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotochromism: Photochromism

Implementation Method 2

dichroism means the ability to absorb one of two orthogonal plane polarized components of at least transmitted radiation more strongly than the other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDichroism: Dichroic Filter

Data Source

PatentEP2686401B9Mesogen-containing compounds
Publication Date: 2017.05.31 TRANSITIONS OPTICAL INC
  • EP2686401B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2686401B9 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2686401B9 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Compounds including at least one mesogenic substructure and at least one long flexible segment and methods of synthesizing the same are disclosed. Formulations which include various embodiments of the mesogen-containing compounds and their use in articles of manufacture and ophthalmic devices are also disclosed.