Visual Compensation System with Variable Spherical Power Lens

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current visual compensation systems in optometry are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple trial lenses with non-continuous correction power transitions and limited field of vision due to the alignment of multiple lenses, which complicates the measurement of visual acuity and refraction.

Innovation Solution

A visual compensation system comprising a first and second mobile optical element with cylindrical power and a variable spherical power lens, allowing independent rotation and adjustment to achieve negligible combined cylindrical power, enabling precise spherical power correction without additional optical elements, and utilizing a deformable lens with a fluid and membrane for continuous spherical power variation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple trial lenses are aligned on discs to obtain various correction values, then the system can provide continuous correction power transitions, but the device size and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection power rangeVSAvoidrefracting head weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical correction function into three separate mobile optical elements (first cylindrical lens, second cylindrical lens, and spherical lens) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall size and weight compared to traditional systems that align multiple complete trial lenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs mobile optical elements that can be dynamically positioned along the optical axis to achieve variable correction powers. The first and second cylindrical optical elements can move independently to provide cylindrical power corrections, while the spherical optical element provides spherical power correction, allowing continuous adjustment without fixed lens positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple trial lenses are aligned to obtain various correction values, then the system can provide comprehensive optical correction, but the field of vision is limited due to the tunnel effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection capabilityVSAvoidfield of vision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the optical correction into separate cylindrical and spherical elements rather than using complete trial lenses, the patent creates a more open optical path. This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple complete lens alignments, thereby expanding the field of vision while maintaining comprehensive correction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If trial lenses are changed to find the suitable correction, then various correction values can be tested, but the transitions are non-continuous and cause unwanted interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection value rangeVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses mobile optical elements that can be continuously adjusted along the optical axis to achieve smooth transitions between different correction values. The first and second cylindrical optical elements and the spherical optical element can move independently and continuously, eliminating the discrete steps and interruptions associated with changing complete trial lenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous adjustment capability for both cylindrical and spherical power corrections through mobile optical elements. This allows the measurement process to proceed without interruptions, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the refraction procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of manufacture

If separate storage of trial lenses in dedicated boxes is used, then lens management is simplified, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens managementVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cylindrical and spherical correction functions into a single integrated system with mobile optical elements. Instead of requiring separate storage and management of multiple complete trial lenses, the system combines all correction capabilities in one compact unit with independently adjustable elements, reducing both space requirements and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This system allows for precise and continuous optical corrections, reducing bulk and complexity, enabling rapid variation of cylindrical power and maintaining correction without additional elements, thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of visual acuity measurement.

Implementation Method 1

a first mobile optical element in rotation centered on the optical axis and having a first cylindrical power along the optical axis, a second mobile optical element in rotation centered on the optical axis and having a second cylindrical power along the optical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCylindrical lens optics: Lens

Implementation Method 2

a lens having said optical axis as its axis and variable spherical power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformable lens: Lens

Implementation Method 3

utilizing a deformable lens with a fluid and membrane for continuous spherical power variation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure deformation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 4

in at least one position the resultant cylindrical power generated by the combination of the first optical element and the second optical element has a negligible value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical power combination: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3096677B1Visual compensation system and optometric binocular device
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3096677B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3096677B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3096677B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A visual compensation system (10) enabling observation, with variable optical power correction, along an optical observation axis (X) includes: - a first rotatable optical element (2) centered on the optical axis (X) and having a first cylinder power along the optical axis (X); - a second rotatable optical element (4) centered on the optical axis (X) and having a second cylinder power along the optical axis (X); and - a lens (6) having said optical axis (X) as the axis thereof, and moreover having variable sphere power.