Optical Element with Radial Resistance for Low-Distortion Focal Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid crystal lenses for presbyopia correction suffer from distortion when viewing far areas and limited size of changeable power areas due to substrate diffraction gratings, limiting their effectiveness in providing clear vision across different distances.

Innovation Solution

An optical element with a layered structure comprising a first electrode layer, insulation layer, resistance layer, and liquid crystal layer, where the electric resistance ratio increases from the central part to the peripheral part, allowing for switchable focal lengths and controlled optical power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a progressive power lens with smooth curvature change is used, then optical power can be added for presbyopia correction, but scenery appears distorted when viewing far areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical power adjustment for presbyopiaVSAvoiddistortion of scenery

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dynamic electroactive element (liquid crystal lens) that can change its optical properties in response to electrical signals. The liquid crystal layer between electrode layers allows the lens to transition between different focal states, enabling dynamic optical power adjustment for presbyopia correction without permanent distortion, as the lens can be switched between near and far viewing states as needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a diffraction grating is formed on substrate glass, then optical power can be added, but the size of the changeable power area cannot be increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical power additionVSAvoidsize of changeable power area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/diffraction-based optical power adjustment system with an electro-optic liquid crystal lens system. This substitution allows for a larger changeable power area because the liquid crystal layer can be uniformly applied across a broader region of the lens substrate, and the optical power can be adjusted through electrical control rather than being constrained by the physical dimensions of a diffraction grating structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables clear vision with low distortion by adjusting focal lengths for both near and intermediate distances, ensuring a wide changeable power area and smooth optical phase difference distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid crystal layer, and a second electrode layer, which are arranged in order... An electric resistance ratio of the resistance layer increases from a central part to a peripheral part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal orientation control: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

a resistance layer... An electric resistance ratio of the resistance layer increases from a central part to a peripheral part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical resistance variation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12393060B2Optical element and optical device having the same

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 CANON KK

AI summary

An optical element is switchable between a first state having a first focal length and a second state having a second focal length. The optical element includes a first electrode layer, an insulation layer, a resistance layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a second electrode layer, which are arranged in order. An electric resistance ratio of the resistance layer increases from a central part to a peripheral part.