Convex Lens Positioning Using Laser Focal Vertex Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurate positioning of a convex optical surface on a lens is challenging, particularly for spectacle lenses with convex curved surfaces, which complicates precise patterning processes.

Innovation Solution

A lens positioning mechanism that includes a lens mounting base, member holding unit, attitude control unit, and sensor unit, allowing for precise alignment of the convex surface as a reference, using three-dimensional control of laser light focal position for accurate patterning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional positioning methods are used for convex optical surfaces, then the positioning process becomes complex and difficult, but high positioning accuracy is required for patterning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a laser-based optical positioning system. A laser beam is used to irradiate the convex optical surface, and the focal position of the laser light is controlled to determine the vertex position. This substitution of mechanical methods with optical/laser methods simplifies the positioning mechanism while achieving high positioning accuracy required for patterning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If the optical surface is a convex curved surface, then positioning becomes difficult, but accurate patterning requires precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatterning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses laser light irradiation and focal position control to determine the vertex position of the convex optical surface, replacing difficult manual or mechanical positioning operations. The laser focal point naturally converges on the vertex of the convex surface, providing intuitive and easy positioning while achieving the precision needed for accurate patterning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The convex optical surface itself serves as the positioning reference through its geometric properties. When laser light is irradiated onto the convex surface, the focal position automatically indicates the vertex location due to the surface's curvature characteristics. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external positioning fixtures or complex alignment procedures, making the operation simple while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 easy and highly precise positioning of convex optical surfaces on lenses, improving the accuracy of patterning processes without complicating the processing steps.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating laser light onto the convex optical surface while controlling a focal position of the laser light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3889658B1Lens positioning mechanism, lens producing apparatus, and method for producing lens member
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 HOYA LENS THAILAND LTD
  • EP3889658B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3889658B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3889658B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

Provided is a technique capable of easily and highly accurately perform positioning of a lens member (10, 10a) having a convex optical surface. A lens positioning mechanism is configured to include: a member holding unit (50) that has a function of holding a second surface of a lens member (10, 10a) having a first surface, which is a convex optical surface, and the second surface, which is an optical surface facing the first surface, and biasing the held lens member (10, 10a) toward a side of the first surface; and an attitude control unit (60) that regulates edge positions of a plurality of portions on the first surface of the lens member (10, 10a) biased by the member holding unit (50) to position the lens member (10, 10a) in a predetermined attitude.