Motorized Optometry Apparatus with Integrated Trial Lens Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optometry equipment for measuring visual acuity is bulky, requires separate storage of trial lenses, and causes unwanted non-continuous correction power transitions due to manual lens changes, making it impractical for precise visual compensation.

Innovation Solution

The development of motorized optometry equipment with adjustable lenses that can modify spherical and cylindrical powers, allowing for continuous correction adjustments via a drive motor system, communication module, and image analysis for precise visual compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If trial lenses are placed on discs in refraction equipment, then visual acuity measurement is enabled, but the equipment becomes bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual acuity measurementVSAvoidequipment weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple trial lenses into a single glasses frame structure, allowing multiple lens combinations to be integrated in one lightweight unit rather than requiring separate heavy discs for each lens configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses imaging technology to capture and analyze optical correction data, creating a digital representation of the measurement process that eliminates the need for physical handling of multiple heavy lens discs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Stability of the object's composition

If trial lenses are stored in separate dedicated boxes, then lens organization is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens organizationVSAvoidstorage system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple trial lenses into a single integrated glasses frame, eliminating the need for separate storage boxes and manual lens handling while maintaining organized access to different lens configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The glasses frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds multiple trial lenses, provides structural support, and enables direct placement on the patient's face, replacing the need for separate storage and handling systems

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual lens changes are performed, then correction adjustments are possible, but non-continuous transitions and measurement time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection adjustmentVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of trial lenses through motorized mechanisms that can continuously and precisely change lens positions and configurations, replacing manual discrete changes with automated continuous control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous motorized control for lens adjustment, allowing smooth transitions between different correction powers without the interruptions and non-continuous jumps inherent in manual lens changing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Adaptability or versatility

If motorized adjustment mechanisms are added, then continuous correction adjustment is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection adjustment precisionVSAvoidmotorized system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts lens positions, changes lens configurations, and controls the timing of adjustments, consolidating what would otherwise require separate mechanical systems into a single integrated drive unit

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

Data Source

PatentEP3344115B1Optometry apparatus, assembly and system comprising such an apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3344115B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3344115B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3344115B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to an optometry apparatus (400) comprising: a base (410) designed to receive corrective eyeglasses; at least one transmission element (425; 435; 445) designed to cooperate with a member for regulating an optical correction characteristic of said eyeglasses; and at least one drive motor (420; 430; 440) for driving the transmission element (425; 435; 445). The invention also relates to an assembly and to an associated system.