Multi-layer Composite Lens with Masking Borders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multifocal lenses suffer from significant drawbacks, including visible optical discontinuities, distortion, and discomfort due to multiple vision zones with abrupt transitions, leading to cosmetic and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer composite lens design using two or more materials with aligned optical elements to distribute total add power, reducing distortion and minimizing optical discontinuities, while maintaining multiple stable vision zones and improving aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multifocal lenses use multiple adjacent regions of different optical power to provide multiple vision zones, then the lens provides multiple vision correction capabilities, but visible optical discontinuities and distortion occur at the boundaries between vision zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens into multiple discrete segments, each providing a specific vision correction zone. These segments are separated by opaque or translucent material that masks the discontinuities between them, allowing multiple vision corrections to coexist without visible boundaries or distortion at interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary masking layer or border material between adjacent optical power regions. This intermediary element serves as a buffer that hides the abrupt transitions and optical discontinuities between different vision zones, reducing visible boundaries and distortion effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blend zones are provided between regions of different optical power to reduce visibility of discontinuities, then aesthetics improve, but the blend zones become unusable portions reducing vision zone size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the masking function from the optical path by placing opaque or translucent borders and separation material between vision zones. This allows the discontinuities to be hidden without requiring blend zones that would reduce the usable optical area, as the masking elements are positioned at the edges rather than within the vision zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the lens: the central regions maintain high optical quality for vision correction, while the peripheral border regions contain the masking material. This local differentiation allows discontinuities to be hidden without compromising the size or quality of the usable vision zones.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple discrete segments are used to provide multiple vision zones, then optical discontinuities are reduced, but the number of segments and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical segments and masking elements into a single integrated lens structure. Rather than assembling separate components, the different power zones and border materials are formed together in one manufacturing process, reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining the benefit of reduced optical discontinuities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the lens to perform multiple functions within a single structure: different regions provide different vision corrections, border regions provide masking, and the overall structure maintains cosmetic appearance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components or complex assembly procedures.
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 multi-layer composite lens design provides multiple stable vision zones with reduced distortion and visibility of optical discontinuities, enhancing both usability and cosmetic appeal compared to traditional multifocal lenses.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-layer composite lens design using two or more materials with aligned optical elements to distribute total add power
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention provide multiple-layer composite lenses comprising two or more materials and methods for making the same. A multi-layer composite lens of the present invention can use multiple surfaces to form optical elements that can contribute to a total desired add power. The multiple contributing elements can be aligned so as to be in optical communication to form multiple stable vision zones to enhance optical performance and vision experience of the wearer. Distributing the total desired add power across multiple appropriately aligned optical elements that are in optical communication with one another can reduce the total distortion of the lens, minimize the number of optical discontinuities introduced and reduce the visibility of any introduced optical discontinuity. A surface of the multiple-layer composite lens can comprise a combined progressive structure and substantially constant optical power structure or a cropped progressive structure.