Additive Manufacturing Temporary Connection for Eyeglass Edge Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Additive manufacturing technologies for eyeglass articles often result in poor surface quality, leading to aesthetic and functional issues due to rounded sharp edges, which require costly finishing processes like vibratory bowl polishing.

Innovation Solution

The method involves producing eyeglass articles with two parts linked by a temporary connection that includes inhomogeneities, allowing for easy separation after finishing, thereby preserving sharp edges and eliminating the need for external masking or additional manual operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additive manufacturing technology is used to manufacture eyeglass articles, then production flexibility and design freedom are improved, but surface quality deteriorates and sharp edges are rounded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign freedomVSAvoidsurface quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by creating a protective mask structure integrated with the article during the additive manufacturing process itself. The mask is formed as part of the article geometry before the finishing operation, allowing it to protect critical edges and surfaces during subsequent polishing or vibratory bowl operations. This pre-positioned mask eliminates the need for separate masking steps and ensures precise protection of areas requiring sharp edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If vibratory bowl polishing is applied to improve surface quality, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but sharp edges are rounded and functional problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface qualityVSAvoidsharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a protective mask that counteracts the edge-rounding effect of vibratory bowl polishing. The mask is positioned to cover specific edges and surfaces that must maintain sharp geometry, preventing the polishing media from contacting these critical areas. This allows the article to undergo complete vibratory bowl polishing for general surface quality improvement while preserving sharp edges where required for function or aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Shape

If external masking is used to protect edges during finishing, then sharp edges are preserved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesharp edgesVSAvoidmasking process

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the protective mask structure directly into the article geometry during the additive manufacturing process. Instead of applying separate external masks, the mask becomes an intrinsic part of the printed structure, with features such as recesses, protrusions, or material property variations that enable automatic positioning and attachment. This integration eliminates separate masking steps, reduces manufacturing complexity, and eliminates the need for manual mask application and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by designing the mask structure to automatically position and attach itself to the article during or after printing, without requiring external tools or manual operations. The mask geometry includes self-aligning features such as interference fits, snap-fits, or magnetic attachment points that enable automatic positioning. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for complex fixtures or manual masking operations, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If simple connection between parts is used to reduce manufacturing complexity, then production is simplified, but edge protection during finishing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structureVSAvoidedge protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nested doll principle by creating a hierarchical structure where the protective mask is nested within or integrated with the article geometry. The mask may be positioned in recesses, cavities, or interlocking features of the article, allowing it to be securely held in the correct position during finishing operations. This nested arrangement provides robust edge protection while maintaining a compact integrated structure that does not significantly increase overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11639033B2Method for manufacturing a three-dimensional article by an additive manufacturing technology

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional article, including: a step of producing the article by an additive manufacturing technology, the article including at least two parts that face, at least partially, each other or that have edges facing, at least partially, each other; and a step of finishing of the article. According to the invention, the two parts are produced together with a temporary connection that links the two parts, and the method includes, after the step of finishing, a step of unlinking the temporary connection in order to separate the two parts.