Variable Optic Insert with Cycloidal Liquid Crystal Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic lenses, such as contact and intraocular lenses, have fixed optical qualities that cannot be easily adjusted by the wearer, limiting their ability to change optical corrections without significant effort or the use of additional lenses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a variable optic insert with liquid crystal elements that can be energized, allowing for dynamic changes in optical quality by controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules using electrodes and energy sources, enabling the lens to adjust focal power and polarization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ophthalmic lenses with fixed optical qualities are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate due to inability to adjust optical corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static optical properties of conventional lenses into dynamic, adjustable properties. Liquid crystal layers are incorporated between transparent electrodes, allowing the optical characteristics (refractive index, focal power, polarization) to change dynamically in response to applied electrical voltage, enabling multiple optical corrections within a single lens structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the optical parameters of the lens material through electrical control. The liquid crystal molecules reorient based on applied voltage, changing the effective refractive index and other optical parameters, thereby adjusting focal power and polarization states without physical lens replacement
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are used to provide different optical corrections, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to need to handle multiple lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single ophthalmic lens that performs multiple optical correction functions simultaneously. The liquid crystal layers can be independently controlled to provide different focal powers, astigmatism corrections, and polarization filters, replacing the need for multiple separate lenses or spectacles
3Adaptability or versatility
If liquid crystal elements are incorporated into the lens, then adaptability and optical adjustment capability improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lens into distinct functional layers: transparent electrode layers, liquid crystal layers, and encapsulation layers. This modular structure allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately before assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the increased complexity of the final device
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 wearers to dynamically adjust optical characteristics, providing flexible vision correction and cosmetic enhancement without the need for multiple lenses, improving user convenience and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The alignment of the molecules in the alignment layer interacts with liquid crystal molecules to form a smoothly varying cycloidal type pattern from a first orientation in the center of the lens to a second orientation further along a radial axis
Implementation Method 2
the cycloidal pattern of molecules may interact with the light in various manners and in particular may impart differential phase shifts to light of right handed versus left handed circular polarization
Implementation Method 3
The first mold part is positioned proximate to the second mold part thereby forming a lens cavity with the energized media insert and at least some of the reactive monomer mixture in the lens cavity; the reactive monomer mixture is exposed to actinic radiation to form an ophthalmic lens
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some examples, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a cycloidally dependent manner. The patterning may allow for a polarization dependent lens in some examples. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some examples, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.