Patterned Ophthalmic Lens Insert with Concealed Energized Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic lenses with embedded semiconductor devices lack a freestanding energizing mechanism, and there is no mechanism for wireless power, resulting in devices that may appear different from a standard eye appearance, which may be undesirable for users.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods and apparatus for patterning ophthalmic lenses with Multi-piece Inserts that include energized components and Energy Sources, allowing for the creation of patterned ophthalmic lenses with concealed or obstructed components, using techniques such as pad printing, ink jet printing, and lithographic imaging to apply colorants and sealants, ensuring the lenses resemble a standard eye appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If semiconductor devices and electronic components are embedded in an ophthalmic lens, then the lens can provide vision correcting functionality and cosmetic enhancement, but the lens appearance becomes different from a standard eye appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies colorants to the insert pieces to mask the appearance of electronic components and interconnects. The colorant layer is deposited over the conductive material and electronic components, changing the visual appearance from metallic/industrial to a natural eye-like appearance that matches the surrounding lens tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary colorant layer between the electronic components and the external environment. This layer serves as a visual mediator that conceals the technological components while allowing the lens to maintain its cosmetic function, effectively hiding the 'different from standard eye' appearance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple insert pieces with electronic components are assembled, then the lens can be energized to power active components, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the insert into multiple separate pieces (first insert piece, second insert piece, third insert piece) that are assembled together. Each piece can be manufactured and prepared independently with conductive material and electronic components, then joined to form the complete energized insert. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing of individual components while enabling the overall energized functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies conductive material to the insert pieces before assembling the electronic components. This preliminary preparation of conductive pathways allows for easier subsequent attachment of electronic components and simplifies the overall assembly process, as the electrical connections are pre-established on the insert surfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If conductive material is deposited on insert pieces before assembly, then electronic components can be attached to the insert, but the number of manufacturing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conductive material deposition step with the electronic component attachment process. By depositing conductive material on the insert pieces first, the subsequent attachment of electronic components becomes a straightforward bonding operation, merging two functions (conductive pathway creation and component mounting) into an integrated manufacturing flow.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is directed to a method of forming a patterned multi-piece insert for an ophthalmic lens. The method may include forming first insert front and back curve pieces. The method may further include depositing a conductive material onto one or both of the first insert front and back curve pieces and attaching an electronic component at least in part to the conductive material. The method may further include placing an adhesive material onto a surface of one or both of the first insert front and back curve pieces so that a first ophthalmic insert is sealed when the first insert front and back curve pieces are combined. The method may further include combining the first insert back and front curve pieces to form the first ophthalmic insert and applying a colorant to at least one surface of one or both of the first insert back and front curve pieces.