Variable Optic Insert With Liquid Crystal Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic lenses, such as contact and intraocular lenses, have fixed 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, allowing for dynamic changes in optical quality by controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules with electric fields, enabling adjustments to refractive characteristics and focal power.
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 for varying vision correction needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating a variable optic insert containing liquid crystal elements that can dynamically change their optical properties in response to applied voltage. This allows the lens to transition from a static optical system to a dynamic one, enabling real-time adjustment of focal power and optical characteristics to meet varying vision correction needs throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining conventional lens materials (such as hydrogel or silicone hydrogel) with liquid crystal materials and dielectric layers. This composite structure integrates the optical clarity and biocompatibility of traditional lens materials with the electrically controllable optical properties of liquid crystals, achieving both adaptability and functional performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable optic insert with liquid crystal elements is incorporated, then adaptability for changing optical qualities is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ophthalmic lens into distinct functional zones: a variable optic insert containing liquid crystal elements and dielectric layers, and a surrounding lens body providing structural support and optical clarity. This segmentation allows the complex variable optical function to be isolated in a specific region, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dielectric layers as intermediary components between the liquid crystal elements and the electrodes. These dielectric intermediaries enable electrical control of the liquid crystal orientation without direct contact, facilitating voltage-dependent optical property changes while protecting the liquid crystal material and enabling precise control of the variable optical effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are used for different vision correction functions, then vision correction versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to change lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple vision correction capabilities into a single ophthalmic lens through the variable optic insert. The liquid crystal elements can be electrically controlled to provide different focal powers and optical characteristics, allowing one lens to perform the functions previously requiring multiple lenses, thereby eliminating the need for users to physically change lenses for different visual tasks.
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 change the optical properties of ophthalmic lenses, providing adaptable vision correction without the need for multiple lenses, enhancing convenience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules with electric fields, enabling adjustments to refractive characteristics and focal power
Implementation Method 2
controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules with electric fields
Implementation Method 3
The reactive monomer mixture is exposed to actinic radiation to form an ophthalmic lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. The variable optic insert may have surfaces within that have differing radii of curvature. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer may comprise polymer networked regions of interstitially located liquid crystal material. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control refractive characteristics.