Electrically Tunable Lens Structure for Adjustable Viewing Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical lenses, such as bifocals and progressive glasses, limit the user's field of vision by having fixed regions for different degrees of correction, failing to meet the diverse vision needs of users.
Innovation Solution
A lens structure with multiple adjustable viewing regions controlled by electrically adjustable refractive index layers, utilizing conductive layers and alignment layers to alter refractive indices, allowing dynamic switching between different optical functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed regions for different degrees of correction are used in optical lenses, then vision correction for multiple conditions is achieved, but the user's field of vision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the refractive index of lens regions electrically controllable through liquid crystal layers. Instead of fixed correction regions, the lens allows dynamic switching between different refractive indices in different areas, enabling the field of vision to be expanded while maintaining multiple vision correction capabilities. The liquid crystal layers can be selectively activated to provide different degrees of correction in different regions as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the lens material dynamically using electrically controlled liquid crystal layers. By applying different voltages to different regions of the liquid crystal layers, the refractive index can be adjusted continuously, allowing the lens to adapt to different vision correction needs without limiting the field of vision. This parameter change enables a single lens to provide multiple correction degrees.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed correction regions are designed in the lens, then various vision needs are addressed, but the lens structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using electrically controllable liquid crystal layers that can provide different vision correction functions in different regions of the lens. Instead of designing physically separate regions for different corrections, a single lens structure with multiple liquid crystal layers can be programmed to provide myopia correction, hyperopia correction, astigmatism correction, or reading assistance as needed, making the lens universal and adaptable to various vision needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic electrical control to replace static physical design. By controlling the liquid crystal layers through electrical signals, the lens can switch between different correction functions dynamically. This eliminates the need for complex physical segmentation of the lens into fixed correction zones, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrically controlled refractive index layers are added to enable dynamic adjustment, then vision correction flexibility is improved, but the lens structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin liquid crystal film layers to achieve electrical control of the refractive index. These thin films are integrated into the lens structure without adding significant bulk or complexity. The liquid crystal layers can be deposited as thin coatings on the lens substrate, maintaining the lens's overall simplicity while enabling dynamic adjustment of viewing regions and correction degrees.
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
Enables flexible and customizable vision correction by allowing users to switch between viewing regions as needed, enhancing user experience without vision restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer, located in a third region of the third layer corresponding to a projected position of the first region
Implementation Method 2
electrically controlled refractive index layer
Data Source
AI summary
A lens structure includes a first substrate, located in a first layer; a second substrate, located in a second layer; a first adhesive material layer, located in the second layer and located above the second substrate, wherein the adhesive material layer located in a first region of the second layer is a surface relief structure; a first conductive layer, located in a second region of the first layer corresponding to a projected position of the first region, and located under the first substrate; a second conductive layer, located in the second layer and located above the first adhesive material layer; and a first electrically controlled refractive index layer, located in a third region of a third layer corresponding to a projected position of the first region, wherein the third layer is beneath the first layer and above the second layer.