Progressive Lens with Continuous Power Gradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic lenses with progressive designs face challenges in achieving smooth transitions between distance and near vision zones, often resulting in blurred vision due to visible lines, increased thickness, and aesthetic issues, particularly for presbyopes who require different optical powers in various areas of the lens.
Innovation Solution
The design features a continuous, gradual increase in optical power across one surface of the lens without inflection points or discontinuities, combined with a second surface to create stabilized optical power areas for distance and near vision, allowing for a more seamless transition and optimized cosmetic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If progressive lens design is used to provide both distance and near vision zones, then vision correction capability is improved, but visible lines and blurred vision occur in transition areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct zones with different optical characteristics: a first zone with distance vision power, a second zone with near vision power, and a transition zone with gradual power变化. Each zone has optimized local optical properties to eliminate visible lines while maintaining visual clarity in all areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by continuously varying the optical power in the transition zone between distance and near vision areas. This gradual parameter变化 eliminates abrupt power shifts that cause visible lines and blurred vision, providing smooth optical transitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If segmented lens design (bifocals) is used to provide distance and near vision, then vision correction is improved, but cosmetic appearance deteriorates due to visible lines and ledges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the distance and near vision zones into a single integrated lens structure with a continuous transition zone, eliminating the separate segments and visible ledges characteristic of traditional bifocals. This unified design maintains cosmetic appearance while providing comprehensive vision correction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating abrupt transitions between power zones as in traditional bifocals, the patent inverts the approach by using gradual, continuous power transitions in the opposite direction - from abrupt to smooth - thereby eliminating visible lines while maintaining functional effectiveness.
3Volume of moving object
If narrow transition area is used between distance and near zones, then lens thickness is reduced, but power change becomes too abrupt causing blurriness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by extending the transition zone in multiple dimensions - both horizontally across the lens and vertically through the optical path - allowing sufficient space for gradual power变化 without increasing overall lens thickness. This multi-dimensional approach maintains thinness while ensuring smooth optical transitions.
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
This approach reduces unwanted astigmatism, minimizes lens thickness, and enhances aesthetic appeal by providing a more comfortable and effective vision correction without the need for abrupt power changes, accommodating a broader range of prescriptions and user preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens surface having a continuous, gradual increase in optical power over substantially its entire optically useable surface from one edge to substantially the opposite edge
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is embodied in ophthalmic lenses having a first lens surface that is described by a continuous, gradual increase in optical power that proceeds without inflection points of discontinuities across substantially the entire useable optical area of this lens surface, and an opposite surface of the lens configured to cooperate with the power gradation of the first surface to provide a desired prescription, including at least one stabilized area of optical power. The power gradation of the first surface increases from one edge of the useable area to substantially the opposite edge, and may increase according to linear or non-linear relationships. In another preferred embodiment, the two lens surfaces cooperate to create two stabilized areas of optical power, for a prescription with near- viewing and distance- viewing values.