Multi-Layer Optical Device for Reversible Lens Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an easy-to-apply device that can demonstrate various light-influencing properties, such as photochromism, polarization, and fixed tint, on corrective eyewear before purchase, as existing methods are complex and costly, and current solutions are limited in functionality and prone to optical irregularities.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer experiential optical device comprising a first polymeric layer, a layer with light-influencing properties, and a second polymeric layer, with a low tack pressure-sensitive adhesive for reversible adhesion to optical lenses, allowing temporary experience of light-influencing properties without optical aberrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optional functionalities (photochromism, polarization, fixed tint) are incorporated into the lens during manufacture, then the light-influencing properties are integrated and durable, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of light-influencing propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical device is divided into separate functional layers (photochromic layer, polarizing layer, fixed tint layer) that can be independently manufactured and then combined through lamination. This allows each layer to be optimized separately while simplifying the overall manufacturing process and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material structures where multiple functional layers are laminated together. Each layer provides specific light-influencing properties, and their combination creates a multi-functional optical device that maintains durability while simplifying manufacturing compared to integrating all functions into a single lens material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optional functionalities are combined in a single lens, then comprehensive eye protection is achieved, but the processing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of light-influencing propertiesVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different light-influencing functionalities are separated into distinct layers (photochromic layer, polarizing layer, fixed tint layer). Each layer can be manufactured using standard processes and then combined through lamination, making it easier to produce multi-functional lenses compared to incorporating all functions into a single complex manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lamination structure serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different functional layers. This multi-functional approach allows the same base structure to support various combinations of light-influencing properties without requiring different manufacturing processes for each combination.

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

3Ease of operation

If a patch is used to temporarily convert clear lenses to photochromic lenses, then the application is flexible and reversible, but optical irregularities such as air entrapment occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of applicationVSAvoidoptical uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thin film layers that are laminated to the lens surface. These films are designed to conform to the lens curvature while maintaining optical uniformity, eliminating the air entrapment problems associated with thicker patches while preserving the flexibility and reversibility of temporary conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional layers are merged into a single laminated structure that is applied to the lens. This integration eliminates gaps and air entrapment between separate layers, ensuring optical uniformity while maintaining the ease of application and removal characteristic of temporary converters.

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 device enables easy application and temporary demonstration of light-influencing properties on optical lenses, reducing costs and avoiding optical irregularities, while maintaining lens quality and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (D) disposed on at least a peripheral zone of the second side of (C)... wherein the multi-layer optical device is reversibly adherent to an optical lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-sensitive adhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

at least one layer having a light-influencing property... demonstrating light-influencing properties, such as photochromism, polarization, and fixed tint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotochromism: Photochromism

Data Source

PatentEP2959340B1Multi layer optical device
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 TRANSITIONS OPTICAL INC
  • EP2959340B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention provides a multi-layer experiential optical device including at least one polymeric layer having a first side and an opposing second side, and having a light-influencing property; and a low tack pressure sensitive adhesive layer applied on at least a peripheral zone of the second side of the polymeric layer. The experiential optical device is reversibly adherent to an optical lens.