Variable-Transmission Eyewear Lens With Rear UV Screening Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eyeglass lenses do not provide effective protection across all lighting conditions and UV and visible frequencies, and lack aesthetic versatility.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer lens design with a photochromatic layer positioned in front of a UV filter layer, allowing for adjustable tint and enhanced protection, featuring a photochromatic layer with transmittance between 10-60% and 80-95% in activated and deactivated states, respectively, and a UV filter with less than 0.5% transmittance in the 280-400 nm range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional eyeglasses or sunglasses are used, then vision correction or UV protection is provided, but they cannot adapt to changing light conditions and require multiple pairs for different environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens functionalities into a single variable transmission lens. The first and second lenses are merged into one integrated lens structure that provides both the refractive power for vision correction and the variable transmission capability for adapting to different light conditions, eliminating the need for separate prescription glasses and sunglasses
Solution Approach 2:
The variable transmission lens serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vision correction through its refractive properties, adapts transmission levels in response to ambient light conditions, and protects against excessive light exposure. This multi-functionality allows a single lens to replace multiple specialized lenses
2Adaptability or versatility
If photochromic material is used to enable lenses to darken in UV light, then adaptability to light conditions is improved, but the lenses require prolonged exposure to darken and cannot be used in vehicles with windshields that block UV
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the light-sensitive material from UV-responsive to visible light-responsive. By selecting a material that responds to visible wavelengths rather than UV wavelengths, the lens can darken rapidly in response to ambient light conditions and function effectively inside vehicles where windshields block UV radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the photochromic mechanism (which requires UV exposure and slow chemical reaction) with a different light-sensitive mechanism that responds to visible light. This substitution enables faster response times and eliminates dependence on UV penetration, allowing the lens to function in vehicular environments
3Ease of operation
If electrochromic material is used to enable electronic control of transmission, then precise control is achieved, but power consumption increases and liquid crystal materials require significant power to maintain state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a materials system that is self-regulating and does not require continuous external power. The light-sensitive material automatically adjusts the lens transmission based on ambient light conditions without needing electronic control signals or power input to maintain its state, eliminating the high power consumption associated with electrochromic and liquid crystal materials
4Adaptability or versatility
If variable transmission lenses are made thicker to incorporate multiple functionalities, then adaptability and protection are improved, but aesthetics and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional layers into a single integrated lens structure with uniform thickness. By combining the vision correction functionality and variable transmission functionality into one lens rather than layering separate lenses, the design achieves full functionality without increasing overall lens thickness, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance and佩戴 comfort
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
Ensures consistent protection across varying lighting conditions while offering a visually appealing aesthetic change based on the photochromatic layer's activation state.
Implementation Method 1
The variable transmission lens may be made with a base lens and a light-sensitive material overlaid on the base lens. The light-sensitive material may be a photochromic material, an electrochromic material, a liquid crystal material, or other materials known to provide variable light transmission properties in response to ambient light conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
A lens for sunglasses includes a convex front surface, functionally directed toward an item to be viewed, and a concave rear surface, functionally directed toward the eye of a person who is wearing the eyeglasses. The lens further includes a photochromatic layer, proximate to the front surface, and a screening layer defining a UV filter, proximate to the rear surface and arranged between the rear surface and the photochromatic layer. The photochromatic layer is in the range of wavelengths comprised between 380 nm and 780 nm and has a transmittance comprised between 10% and 60%, in an activated state thereof, and a wavelength comprised between 80% and 95%, in a deactivated state thereof. The screening layer has a transmittance lower than 0.5% in the range of wavelengths comprised between 280 nm and 400 nm.