Convex Lens Positioning Mechanism for Accurate Surface Patterning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurate positioning of convex optical surfaces in lens patterning is challenging due to their curved nature, leading to difficulties in precise patterning on spectacle lenses with convex surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A lens positioning mechanism that includes a member holding unit for biasing and holding the lens via an auxiliary tool, and an attitude control unit that regulates the position of the lens using an annular or multiple points on the convex surface, allowing for precise positioning and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the optical surface is a convex curved surface, then the lens member can be designed with aesthetic and functional optical properties, but it becomes difficult to accurately position the optical surface for patterning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvex optical surfaceVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An auxiliary tool is introduced as an intermediary between the member holding unit and the lens member. This auxiliary tool includes a reaction force receiving portion that contacts the convex optical surface, enabling accurate positioning and attitude control of the lens member during processing without directly gripping the lens edges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning mechanism transitions from traditional edge-based 2D positioning to 3D spatial positioning using the convex surface itself. The reaction force receiving portion engages with the curved surface to regulate position in multiple dimensions simultaneously, including orientation and curvature alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If traditional edge-based positioning is used, then the positioning mechanism is simple, but positioning accuracy on convex surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning mechanismVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary tool serves as a mediator that interfaces with the convex optical surface through a reaction force receiving portion. This intermediary component enables precise positioning by distributing contact forces across the curved surface, achieving high positioning accuracy without requiring complex multi-point clamping mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning approach changes from fixed geometric reference (edge position) to force-based reference (reaction force on convex surface). By utilizing the optical properties and geometry of the convex surface itself, the system achieves accurate positioning through force equilibrium rather than mechanical constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 accurate positioning of lenses with convex surfaces, improving the precision of patterning on spectacle lenses by maintaining the lens in a predetermined attitude during processing.

Implementation Method 1

the lens holding unit has a pad that holds the second surface of the lens member by vacuum suction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3889659A1Lens positioning mechanism, lens producing apparatus, and method for producing lens member
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 HOYA LENS THAILAND LTD
  • EP3889659A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3889659A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3889659A1 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 lens member (10, 10a) via an auxiliary tool (80) attached to a second surface of the 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 abuts on a predetermined portion on the first surface of the lens member (10, 10a) biased on the member holding unit (50) to regulate a position of the predetermined portion and positions the lens member (10, 10a) in a predetermined attitude.