Ophthalmic Lens Circuit Encapsulation for Lighter Smart Glasses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart glasses with integrated electronic components face issues of bulkiness, weight, and discomfort due to the distribution of components within the frame, which can be alleviated by encapsulating active components and circuitry within a transparent ophthalmic lens.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece ophthalmic lens design encapsulates a component-populated transparent substrate, allowing circuitry to be immersed in the prescription lens, with non-regularly shaped cutouts and high refractive index materials to reduce weight and maintain functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic components are distributed within the smart glasses frame, then the frame structure can support the components, but the glasses become bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic component housing with the ophthalmic lens itself, creating a unified structure where the lens serves dual purposes as both an optical element and a component carrier. This integration eliminates the need for separate frame structures to support components, reducing overall weight and bulkiness while maintaining component support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds electronic components and circuitry within the internal structure of the lens, nesting them inside the lens body. This nesting approach allows components to be housed within the existing lens volume without adding external bulk, thereby reducing the overall size and weight of the smart glasses
2Weight of moving object
If electronic components are encapsulated within the ophthalmic lens, then weight and bulkiness are reduced, but the lens structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens into distinct functional zones: an optical zone for light transmission and an electronic zone for housing components. This segmentation allows the lens to accommodate complex electronic structures without compromising optical performance, as each zone is optimized for its specific function, thereby managing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties and structural characteristics to different regions of the lens. The electronic-containing region uses materials and structures optimized for component housing, while the optical region maintains properties optimized for light transmission. This local differentiation allows the lens to handle complex internal structures without compromising overall optical quality
3Weight of moving object
If a transparent substrate with cutouts is used to reduce weight, then weight reduction is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric cutout designs in the transparent substrate that are optimized for weight reduction while accounting for manufacturing capabilities. The asymmetric shapes are strategically placed and dimensioned to maximize weight savings without creating overly complex manufacturing requirements, balancing precision needs with weight reduction goals
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 design achieves a 15-50% weight reduction and improved comfort by distributing components across the lens, ensuring high-quality functioning without impacting thickness or visibility.
Implementation Method 1
high refractive index materials to reduce weight and maintain functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a transparent substrate, at least one or more active components and corresponding circuitry disposed on the transparent substrate, and at least one lens, mounted to a support structure, configured to encapsulate the circuitry. Disclosed are systems and associated methods.