Segmented Delta Toric Lens Axis Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Toric contact lenses used to correct astigmatism often require precise orientation, which is challenging due to their thickness and weight, making them uncomfortable for users, as they rely on eyelid interaction for axis alignment.

Innovation Solution

A segmented delta toric lens design featuring a protrusion on the circumference area, separate from the optical area, to facilitate axis alignment without increasing the lens's thickness, accompanied by a mark for direction indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lens thickness is increased to improve axis alignment through thickness differential, then the orientation stability is improved, but the lens weight increases making the user uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxis alignment stabilityVSAvoidlens weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lens is divided into two functional segments: the optical area maintains thinness for comfort, while the circumferential area contains thickness differentials and delta protrusions for orientation stability. This segmentation allows each area to optimize its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation mechanism is moved from the optical area to the circumferential area, effectively using a different spatial dimension (the edge zone) to solve the orientation problem without affecting the optical quality and weight of the main lens body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the lens thickness is increased in the optical area to improve axis alignment, then the orientation control is improved, but the comfort deteriorates due to increased weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxis alignment precisionVSAvoidwearer comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the lens have different thickness characteristics: the optical area is thin for comfort, while the circumferential area has controlled thickness variations and delta protrusions for orientation. Each local region is optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a segmented delta protrusion is added to the circumference area for orientation, then the axis alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxis alignment reliabilityVSAvoidlens structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The orientation function is segmented into discrete delta-shaped protrusions positioned at specific locations in the circumferential area, making the complex orientation control manageable through standardized modular elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The delta protrusions create an asymmetric pattern in the circumferential area that provides unambiguous orientation cues. The asymmetric geometry ensures the lens can only be properly oriented in one rotational position, simplifying the alignment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS8328353B2Segmented delta toric lens

Publication Date: 2012.12.11 PEGAVISION CORP

AI summary

A segmented delta toric lens is described. The segmented delta toric lens includes an optical area, a circumference area surrounding the optical area and a segmented delta protrusion formed on the circumference area. The segmented delta protrusion is located apart from the optical area and the edge of the circumference area. The segmented delta toric lens can further include a mark to indicate a direction of the segmented delta toric lens.