Photochromic-Dichroic Mesogen Compounds for Adaptive Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linearly polarizing elements are limited in their ability to function effectively under low-light conditions and cannot store or display information due to their static, tinted nature, while photochromic elements lack linear polarization capabilities, resulting in inadequate glare reduction.
Innovation Solution
Development of mesogen-containing compounds that form novel liquid crystal polymers with photochromic-dichroic properties, allowing for dynamic alignment and transition between states in response to actinic radiation, enabling improved glare reduction and information display in various lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional linearly polarizing elements with dichroic material are used, then glare reduction is achieved, but the element cannot function effectively under low-light conditions and cannot store or display information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines photochromic and dichroic properties into a single photochromic-dichroic compound. The compound contains a dichroic portion for light polarization and a photochromic portion that responds to actinic radiation, merging the functions of glare reduction and adaptive light filtering in one material system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static nature of conventional polarizing elements by incorporating photochromic compounds that can dynamically change their absorption properties in response to actinic radiation. The compound transitions between different states (colored and bleached) to adapt to varying lighting conditions, enabling both glare reduction and information display capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional photochromic elements are used, then adaptability to lighting conditions is achieved, but linear polarization capabilities are lacking resulting in inadequate glare reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges photochromic and dichroic functionalities into a single compound structure. The dichroic portion provides linear polarization capability for effective glare reduction, while the photochromic portion maintains adaptability to lighting conditions through reversible color changes in response to actinic radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite molecular structure within the photochromic-dichroic compound, combining a dichroic moiety (for polarization) and a photochromic moiety (for light-responsive adaptation). This composite approach at the molecular level enables simultaneous achievement of glare reduction and lighting adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If dichroic material molecules are randomly positioned, then the material can be easily manufactured, but no net linear polarization of transmitted radiation is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent molecular structure of the photochromic-dichroic compound where the dichroic and photochromic portions are chemically bonded in a fixed geometric relationship. This molecular-level homogeneity ensures that when the compounds are aligned (e.g., through stretching or field application), the dichroic portions are uniformly oriented, achieving net linear polarization without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
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 mesogen-containing compounds create liquid crystal polymers that effectively polarize light across different lighting conditions, enhancing glare reduction and information display capabilities beyond conventional technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Dichroism may occur in LCs due to either the optical anisotropy of the molecular structure
Implementation Method 2
Consequently, conventional linearly polarizing elements are static elements having a single, linearly polarizing state
Implementation Method 3
conventional photochromic elements, such as photochromic lenses that are formed using conventional thermally reversible photochromic materials, are generally capable of converting from a first state, for example, a 'clear state,' to a second state, for example, a 'colored state,' in response to actinic radiation
Implementation Method 4
Dichroism may occur in LCs due to either the optical anisotropy of the molecular structure or the presence of impurities or the presence of dichroic dyes. As used herein, the term 'dichroism', means the ability to absorb one of two orthogonal plane polarized components of at least transmitted radiation more strongly than the other
Data Source
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AI summary
Compounds including at least one mesogenic substructure and at least one long flexible segment and methods of synthesizing the same are disclosed. Formulations which include various embodiments of the mesogen containing compounds and their use in articles of manufacture and ophthalmic devices are also disclosed.