Variable Optic Ophthalmic Lens with Liquid Crystal Elements
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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 provide multiple focal powers like spectacle wearers can with interchangeable lenses.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a variable optic insert with liquid crystal elements that can be energized to alter the optical quality of the lens, allowing for dynamic changes in refractive power and polarization by controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules with electrodes and dielectric layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ophthalmic lenses are designed with static optical qualities, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by incorporating liquid crystal elements that can dynamically change their optical properties in response to applied voltage. The liquid crystal molecules can reorient themselves between parallel and perpendicular states, enabling the lens to transition between different focal powers and optical characteristics, thus achieving 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 (refractive index, focal length) of the lens can be continuously adjusted, allowing the same lens structure to provide multiple optical qualities based on electrical parameter variation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If liquid crystal elements are integrated into the ophthalmic lens, then optical adaptability is improved, but ease of operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing sensors that automatically detect environmental conditions (such as lighting levels or temperature) and trigger appropriate optical changes without requiring manual user input. The lens system serves itself by autonomously adjusting its focal power based on sensed conditions, simplifying operation for the wearer while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor environmental or physiological parameters and provide signals to control the liquid crystal elements accordingly. This closed-loop system allows the lens to automatically adapt to changing conditions, such as adjusting focal power in response to detected visual demands or environmental factors, making the complex optical adjustments transparent to the user.
3Productivity
If multiple optical functions are integrated into a single lens, then productivity and convenience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single ophthalmic lens that can perform multiple optical functions through the liquid crystal elements. The same lens structure can provide distance vision, near vision, and intermediate focal powers by electronically controlling the liquid crystal orientation, eliminating the need for multiple separate lenses or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a unified lens structure by integrating liquid crystal elements directly into the lens substrate. This combination allows the lens to simultaneously or sequentially provide multiple focal powers and optical corrections within a single device, improving productivity by eliminating the need to switch between different lenses while managing complexity through integrated design.
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 ophthalmic lenses to adaptively change their optical characteristics in response to wearer input or environmental conditions, providing a range of focal powers and polarization states without the need for lens replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a variable optic insert with liquid crystal elements that may be energized and incorporated into an ophthalmic device, which is capable of changing the optical quality of the lens
Implementation Method 2
The liquid crystal may be located between two alignment layers, which may set the resting orientation for the liquid crystal
Implementation Method 3
The two alignment layers may be in electrical communication with an energy source through electrodes deposited on substrate layers that contain the variable optic portion
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens as set forth. 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.