PDMS Patch for Temporary Photochromic Ophthalmic Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for incorporating photochromic dyes into ophthalmic lenses are complex and expensive, and existing technologies struggle to provide a flexible, adhesive-free solution for temporarily imparting photochromic properties to lenses that can conform to various shapes and curvatures.
Innovation Solution
A temporary photochromic patch made from a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer matrix, where photochromic dyes are dissolved into a siloxane base and curing agent, allowing for a viscoelastic patch that can be easily applied to lenses without adhesives, conforming to curved surfaces and demonstrating photochromic functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photochromic dyes are incorporated into the lens material, overmold layer, laminated layer or lens coating using conventional methods, then photochromic function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the photochromic function from the lens structure by using a独立的 patch that can be applied to the lens surface. This segmentation allows the photochromic dye to be contained in a separate PDMS patch rather than being incorporated into the lens material itself, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the photochromic function.
Solution Approach 2:
The PDMS patch acts as an intermediary between the lens and the photochromic dye. Instead of directly incorporating dye into the lens, the dye is embedded in the PDMS matrix which then adheres to the lens surface, serving as a mediator that provides the photochromic function without requiring complex lens manufacturing processes.
2Strength
If conventional lens materials and coatings are used, then strength and scratch resistance are achieved, but photochromic dyes cannot switch or rotate between states effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different material properties to different locations: the lens maintains its original strong, scratch-resistant material throughout, while only the specific region where the PDMS patch is applied has the soft, flexible matrix needed for photochromic dye mobility. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall lens strength and localized photochromic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses a composite structure combining the original lens material (providing strength and scratch resistance) with a PDMS patch containing photochromic dye (providing switching capability). The PDMS matrix's low molecular weight and flexibility enable dye rotation while the lens substrate maintains mechanical integrity.
3Ease of operation
If a temporary photochromic patch is applied to demonstrate photochromic function, then the benefit can be shown to the wearer, but the patch must be easily removable without damaging the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The PDMS patch is designed as a temporary, disposable element that can be easily applied and removed. The patch serves its purpose of demonstrating photochromic function and can be discarded or replaced without concern for lens damage, embodying the principle of using simple, temporary components for temporary functions.
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 PDMS patch effectively imparts photochromic properties to lenses, allowing for easy application and removal, demonstrating photochromic function on existing eyeglasses without damaging them, and can be trimmed to fit various lens shapes, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution for transforming clear lenses into photochromic ones.
Implementation Method 1
Photochromic materials are capable of switching between a state where they are relatively colorless to a state where they are colored. The materials change states based on the amount and wavelength of radiation they encounter.
Implementation Method 2
A photochromic dye is dissolved into one of the reactants to form a first dye mixture. The first dye mixture is combined with the other reactant to initiate a polymerization reaction that will result in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer matrix.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A process for making a temporary photochromic patch for an ophthalmic lens. A photochromic dye is dissolved in either a siloxane base or curing agent. The base and curing- agent are combined to initiate a polymerization reaction that will result in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer matrix having sufficiently low molecular weight to accommodate the photochromic dye's mobility. The polymerization reaction is completed in a form to create a viscoelastic patch. The resulting patch can be trimmed and temporarily applied to an ophthalmic lens without needing adhesive.