Multifunctional Ophthalmic Lens with Integrated Electrochromic and Power Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic lenses with active functions, such as electrochromic and ophthalmic power modules, are bulky and difficult to manufacture due to the need for separate glass substrates and precise alignment, especially when combining LCD and electrochromic functions.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional device for ophthalmic lenses featuring a support layer with integrated electrochromic and ophthalmic power layered modules, where one face of the support layer forms part of each module and includes electric connections, allowing for a single substrate to support both functions, reducing thickness and complexity in manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate glass substrates are used to support electrochromic and ophthalmic power modules, then each function can be independently manufactured, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrochromic module and ophthalmic power module onto a single glass substrate, eliminating the need for separate substrates. This integration reduces the number of components, simplifies the overall structure, and facilitates easier manufacturing while maintaining both electrochromic and ophthalmic power functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single glass substrate serves multiple functions by supporting both the electrochromic module and the ophthalmic power module. This multi-functional substrate reduces device complexity and eliminates the bulkiness associated with multiple separate substrates, while still allowing independent manufacturing and integration of both functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LCD and electrochromic functions are combined on the same ophthalmic lens, then adaptability is enhanced, but precise alignment between separately manufactured elements is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LCD and electrochromic functions on the same glass substrate, integrating both modules into a single manufactured element. This eliminates the alignment challenges between separately manufactured elements while maintaining the enhanced adaptability provided by having both functions available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active functions are combined on separate substrates, then functional versatility is achieved, but the ophthalmic lens becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple active functions (electrochromic and ophthalmic power modules) onto a single glass substrate. This integration maintains functional versatility while significantly reducing the overall size and weight of the ophthalmic lens compared to using separate substrates for each function.
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 solution results in a lighter, easier-to-manufacture ophthalmic lens with reduced thickness, enabling complex patterns on a single support layer and facilitating alignment, thus overcoming the bulkiness and manufacturing challenges of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic ophthalmic lens makes it possible to provide a darkening thereof, so that darkening may be tuned to the environment of the wearer independently from the presence of UV rays
Implementation Method 2
The electrochromic layered module may further comprise a liquid crystal layer directly on the continuous transparent conductive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional device for an ophthalmic lens or ophthalmic lens blank, comprising an electrochromic layered module and an ophthalmic power layered module, both modules being on the same support layer.