Removable Protective Coating for Ophthalmic Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective coatings for ophthalmic lenses with hydrophobic surfaces fail to adhere robustly, leading to compromised protective properties during handling and processing, such as edging and edge coloring, and often interfere with further processing steps or remove ink markings.
Innovation Solution
A non-aqueous coating composition is applied to the hydrophobic surface of ophthalmic lenses, comprising a film-forming polymer and a compatible solvent, which adheres sufficiently to the surface for handling and processing without detaching, and can be removed without affecting ink markings or optical surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective coating is applied to a hydrophobic surface, then the surface is protected during handling and processing, but the coating fails to adhere robustly and becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (adhesive promoter or primer) between the hydrophobic surface and the protective coating. This intermediary layer is specifically designed to bond to the hydrophobic surface while providing a substrate for the protective coating to adhere to, thus resolving the adhesion problem without compromising the protective properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface energy parameters of the hydrophobic surface through chemical treatment or plasma processing before coating. This changes the surface properties to be more conducive to coating adhesion while maintaining the hydrophobic characteristics, allowing robust bonding of the protective coating
2Ease of operation
If a protective coating is applied to prevent slipping during edging, then handling is improved, but the coating interferes with further processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic protective coating system that can be applied and removed as needed. The coating is designed to provide temporary protection during specific processing steps (like edging) and can be easily removed afterward to allow subsequent processing operations, thus adapting to different processing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The protective coating system is segmented into multiple functional layers with specific roles: an adhesive promoter layer for bonding, a protective layer for preventing slipping and contamination, and a removable outer layer that can be stripped off. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility with processing steps
3Reliability
If a protective coating is applied to mask the lens surface, then protection during edge treatment is achieved, but the coating removes ink markings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the protective coating with local quality differentiation - the coating formulation or application method is adjusted to create different properties in different areas. The coating provides protection where needed while being formulated to be compatible with ink markings, allowing selective protection without removing markings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary actions by applying the protective coating after ink markings are made, and the coating formulation is specifically designed to be marking-compatible. The coating is applied in a way that preserves the underlying ink markings while providing the necessary protection during subsequent edge treatment operations
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 solution provides a robust, removable protective coating that prevents slipping during edging, protects optical surfaces during processing, and allows for subsequent marking and edge coloring without contamination, while maintaining the hydrophobic properties of the lens surface.
Implementation Method 1
applying a non-aqueous coating composition so as to coat at least part of the hydrophobic surface, said composition including a film forming coating polymer and a compatible non-aqueous solvent
Implementation Method 2
removing a substantial portion of the solvent from the composition to form a removable protective coating on the ophthalmic lens element
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method of forming a removable protective coating on a hydrophobic surface of an ophthalmic lens element. The method includes providing an ophthalmic lens element having a hydrophobic surface. A non-aqueous coating composition is applied so as to coat at least part of the hydrophobic surface. The composition includes a film forming coating polymer and a compatible non-aqueous solvent. A substantial portion of the solvent is removed from the composition to form a removable protective coating on the ophthalmic lens element that adheres to the hydrophobic surface. The disclosure also provides a removable protective coating, and an ophthalmic lens element having the coating.