Spectacle Lens Spin Coating for Uniform Films on Microprotrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying a coating film on spectacle lenses with microprotrusions result in uneven film thickness due to the formation of liquid pools around the microprotrusions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving spin coating of a curable composition on lens substrates with microprotrusions, using a curable compound and metal oxide particles, to form a uniform coating film by controlling the viscosity and rotation speed during application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional free-form molding is used for manufacturing aspheric spectacle lenses, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to control surface accuracy in both meridians simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidsurface accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the aspheric surface manufacturing process into two separate sequential molding operations instead of attempting to mold the entire complex aspheric surface in a single step. The first molding process creates an intermediate surface with controlled accuracy in one meridian, and the second molding process refines the surface to achieve final accuracy in both meridians. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by making the complex manufacturing process manageable while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If single molding process is used for aspheric lenses, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to achieve required surface accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidsurface accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first molding process performs a preliminary shaping operation that creates an intermediate aspheric surface with controlled accuracy in the first meridian. This preliminary action prepares the substrate for the second molding operation, allowing the final high-precision aspheric surface to be achieved more efficiently than attempting complete precision in a single step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If traditional molding methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to lack of control over aspheric surface in both meridians

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolding process complexityVSAvoidaspheric surface accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into two distinct molding operations, each optimized for controlling surface accuracy in specific meridians. The first molding process controls the first meridian, and the second molding process controls the second meridian, allowing precise control of the complex aspheric surface without requiring excessively complex single-step molding equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3779567B1Method for manufacturing spectacle lens
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 HOYA LENS THAILAND LTD
  • EP3779567B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Provided is a method for manufacturing a spectacle lens, wherein: the spectacle lens includes a lens substrate having microprotrusions on at least one surface, and a coating film formed on the surface of the lens substrate that has the microprotrusions; and the method includes forming the coating film by applying an application liquid, through spin-coating, to the surface of the lens substrate that has the microprotrusions.