Polarized Lenses Using Mixed NIR Dyes for Broad Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical elements with near-infrared (NIR) protection face challenges such as decomposition of NIR absorbers during production, alteration of color appearance, and insufficient NIR absorption wavelength range.
Innovation Solution
An optical element comprising an optical substrate with two or more near-infrared absorbers mixed homogeneously, each with different NIR absorption ranges and residual colors, to achieve broader NIR absorption and minimize color alteration and light transmittance reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single NIR absorber is incorporated into the optical substrate, then NIR protection is provided, but the absorption wavelength range is limited and residual colors alter the lens appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the NIR absorption function into multiple segments by incorporating two or more different NIR absorbers (e.g., absorber A for 780-1000 nm and absorber B for 1000-2000 nm) into the optical substrate. Each absorber targets a specific wavelength segment, collectively providing comprehensive broad-spectrum NIR protection while minimizing residual color effects through complementary absorption characteristics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If commercial NIR absorbers are mixed in the lens substrate, then NIR protection is achieved, but light transmittance is significantly reduced and color appearance is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting NIR absorbers with specific absorption characteristics that target NIR wavelengths while having minimal absorption in the visible range. This allows the optical substrate to maintain high visible light transmittance and natural color appearance while providing effective NIR protection through the strategically selected absorber组合.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional optical elements with NIR absorbers are used, then some NIR protection is provided, but the absorbers decompose during high-temperature production processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses thermal stability by carefully selecting NIR absorbers with high decomposition temperatures (above 300°C) and optimizing their concentration ranges (0.01-5 wt%). These parameter selections ensure the absorbers remain stable during injection molding and other high-temperature lens production processes, preventing decomposition and maintaining consistent NIR protection performance.
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 optical element provides enhanced NIR protection with a broader absorption range, maintains color neutrality, and withstands high-temperature production processes without decomposition, thus addressing the limitations of conventional NIR protective optical elements.
Implementation Method 1
two or more near infrared absorbers mixed in the optical substrate... capable of absorbing near infrared radiation in a broader wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are optical elements and the methods of producing the same. The optical element contains two or more near infrared absorbers mixed in an optical substrate, and one or more functional film disposed on the optical substrate. The method of producing the optical element comprises mixing two near infrared absorbers with different near infrared wavelengths absorption ranges and residual colors with a precursor of an optical substrate. The mixture is subsequently processed to produce an optical element that has broad near infrared wavelength absorption range, a high near infrared absorption level, and/or homogeneous color distribution.