Variable Optic Insert with Cycloidal Liquid Crystal Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic lenses, such as contact and intraocular lenses, have static optical qualities that cannot be easily changed by the wearer, limiting their ability to accommodate varying vision correction needs 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 and integrated into ophthalmic devices, allowing for dynamic changes in optical quality through the use of alignment layers and energy sources, enabling the formation of lenses with adjustable focal characteristics and polarization control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ophthalmic lenses are designed with predetermined optical quality, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating liquid crystal layers that can dynamically change their optical properties in response to applied electric fields. The liquid crystal molecules can reorient themselves between different states (e.g., planar and homeotropic alignment), enabling the lens to transition between different focal powers and optical characteristics, thus providing adaptability without requiring multiple separate lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the refractive index and orientation of liquid crystal molecules through electrical control. By applying different voltages, the optical parameters of the lens (such as focal length, power, and polarization) can be adjusted continuously, allowing a single lens to perform multiple functions that traditionally required multiple lenses with different fixed prescriptions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are used to provide different vision correction functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single ophthalmic lens that can perform multiple vision correction functions through electrical control of liquid crystal layers. The lens can provide different focal powers, polarization states, and optical characteristics by adjusting the liquid crystal orientation, eliminating the need for wearers to switch between multiple lenses or wear contact lenses with spectacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically switching between multiple lenses with an electrical control system. Instead of manually removing and inserting different lenses, the wearer can electrically activate the liquid crystal layers to change optical properties instantaneously, significantly improving ease of operation and convenience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If liquid crystal elements are incorporated into ophthalmic lenses, then adaptability and optical quality control are improved, but manufacturing precision and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the liquid crystal molecules using alignment layers during the manufacturing process. The alignment layers are prepared in advance with specific orientations (e.g., rubbed or photo-aligned patterns) that guide the liquid crystal molecules into the desired configurations, ensuring precise optical properties are achieved when the lens is activated, thereby managing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining liquid crystal layers with alignment layers, electrode layers, and ophthalmic lens materials. This composite structure integrates the optical modulation capability of liquid crystals with the structural and biocompatibility requirements of ophthalmic lenses, allowing precise control of optical properties while maintaining manufacturability and performance.
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 the optical properties of ophthalmic lenses, providing enhanced vision correction and accommodation without the need for multiple lenses, improving user convenience and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a variable optic portion, which may include a liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 2
When a potential difference is applied across the first and second electrodes, an electric field is established across the liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 3
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 4
The alignment of the molecules in the alignment layer interacts with liquid crystal molecules to form a smoothly varying cycloidal type pattern
Implementation Method 5
the liquid crystal may be located between two alignment layers, which may set the resting orientation for the liquid crystal
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.