Optical Lens Design for UV Protection and Vision Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical equipment fails to effectively reduce unwanted radiation reaching the wearer's eye, as it only considers optical functions and not the specific light protection needs, which can be influenced by the wearer's morphology, face geometry, and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines optimized optical equipment by calculating a global cost function incorporating both optical and light protection cost functions, using wearer data and environmental conditions to minimize radiation exposure, including adjustments to lens geometry and anti-reflective coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If standard multilayer coatings are applied to the rear face of the optical lens, then visible radiation reflection is reduced, but UV radiation reflection reduction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optical properties of the multilayer coating, specifically adjusting the refractive indices and thicknesses of individual layers to create selective reflection characteristics that target UV wavelengths while maintaining visible light transmission. This resolves the contradiction by changing the physical parameters of the coating to achieve both UV protection and visual clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by designing different regions of the coating with distinct properties - certain layers are optimized for UV reflection while other layers are optimized for visible light transmission. This spatial differentiation of functional properties allows the single coating structure to simultaneously address both UV protection and visible radiation reduction requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the geometry of the optical lens is modified to reduce direct radiation, then light protection is improved, but optical function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lens into multiple functional zones with different geometric properties. Certain regions are designed with specific curvatures or thickness variations that redirect direct radiation away from the eye, while other regions maintain optimal geometry for clear vision. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of protection and optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes another dimension by introducing temporal or spectral dimensions to the geometric design. The lens geometry is optimized not only for spatial light distribution but also for wavelength-specific transmission characteristics, allowing different geometric configurations to serve different protective functions across the electromagnetic spectrum while maintaining overall optical quality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical equipment is designed without considering wearer morphology, then manufacturing is simplified, but light protection effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating an adaptive optimization system where the lens parameters are not fixed but can be adjusted based on individual wearer characteristics. The design process incorporates dynamic input from wearer morphology data, allowing the optimal configuration to be calculated and manufactured for each individual, thereby achieving personalized protection without permanently complicating the base manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing morphological assessments and computational optimizations before the actual manufacturing process. All personalized parameters are determined in advance through measurement and calculation, allowing standard manufacturing processes to be used with pre-determined custom specifications, thus avoiding complexity during production while achieving personalized results.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If only optical functions are considered in design, then device complexity is reduced, but light protection against reflected and transmitted radiation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple design objectives into a unified optimization framework. Instead of separately designing for optical function and radiation protection, the patent combines both requirements into a single cost function that simultaneously evaluates and optimizes both aspects. This consolidation allows the design process to achieve dual objectives without proportionally increasing complexity, as the merged framework identifies solutions that satisfy both criteria together.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional design approach where the optical lens serves multiple purposes: correcting vision, blocking UV radiation, reducing visible radiation reflection, and minimizing direct radiation transmission. The unified cost function and integrated design process enable a single optical element to fulfill all these functions simultaneously, making the system more efficient rather than requiring separate components 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 method provides personalized and enhanced light protection for the wearer by optimizing radiation distribution on the eye and peri-orbital zone, adapting to individual morphologies and usage contexts, thereby improving eye safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
transmitted radiation entering through the front face of the optical lens and transmitted up to the eye. Such radiation arrive to the eye either directly by two refractions
Implementation Method 2
the reflected radiation that arrive to the eye after having been reflected by the rear face of the optical lens. Typically the radiation arriving from behind the wearer may if they are not subjected to a shadowing effect of the head of the wearer or of the spectacle frame, be reflected by the rear face of the optical lens towards the eye of the wearer
Implementation Method 3
optical lenses effectively absorb harmful UV radiation that could be transmitted directly through the lens
Data Source
AI summary
Method for determining optical equipment comprising at least one optical lens and a spectacle frame. Wearer data relating to the wearer's optical requirements, wearer's face morphology and optical equipment position on the wearer face are provided. An optical cost function is provided related to an optical function of the at least one optical lens when worn by said wearer. A light protection cost function is provided related to a spectral irradiance estimation over the wearer eye and/or wearer skin in a peri-orbital zone of the wearer eye under a given condition when said optical equipment is worn by said wearer. The optical equipment that minimizes the difference between a global cost function and a target value of the global cost function is determined, the global cost function being a function of the optical and the light protection cost functions.