Custom Spectacle Frame Manufacturing via 3D Facial Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in effectively manufacturing custom spectacle frames that meet aesthetic and comfort criteria, as existing methods require specialized know-how and are hindered by the loss of traditional craftsmanship and the reluctance of wearers to undergo detailed measurements for precise fitting.

Innovation Solution

A method involving three-dimensional scanning to acquire spatial data of the wearer's face, followed by a computer-aided design phase to create a virtual model of the frame, and subsequent additive manufacturing to produce the frame, including the incorporation of lenses and temple design, ensuring a precise fit using polymer materials or composites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional custom frame manufacturing methods are used, then specialized know-how and detailed measurements are required, but this increases complexity and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe fit precisionVSAvoidmeasurement and manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools and manual craftsmanship with optical scanning technology and automated 3D printing. The scanner captures facial geometry optically, and the additive manufacturing system automatically constructs the frame, eliminating the need for manual measurement and traditional fabrication skills.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the wearer's face through scanning, which is then used to generate the custom frame design. This digital replica allows for precise measurement extraction and frame design without requiring physical contact or complex manual measurement procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If detailed facial measurements are taken to ensure proper fit, then frame fit precision improves, but wearer cooperation and time consumption decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe fit precisionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning process continuously captures facial data in a single rapid operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate measurement steps. The 3D printer then continuously builds the frame based on the digital model, maintaining productivity without sacrificing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The scanner automatically captures and processes facial geometry data without requiring the wearer to actively participate in measurement procedures. The system self-calibrates and self-measures, reducing the burden on the wearer while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If traditional manufacturing methods are used, then craftsmanship quality can be maintained, but automation and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustom frame production speedVSAvoidmanufacturing accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct digital and physical phases: scanning, digital modeling, and additive manufacturing. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, with automated software handling design and automated hardware handling fabrication, greatly increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the manufacturing parameters from manual control to digital control. The frame geometry is defined by digital coordinates and parameters rather than manual measurement and adjustment, enabling rapid iteration and production while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3380311B1Method for manufacturing made-to-measure spectacles frame
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 AK OPTIQUE
  • EP3380311B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3380311B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3380311B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for manufacturing the front of a spectacle frame for a wearer (3), which method comprises: digitizing the face (4) of the wearer (3); designing a virtual model of the front of the frame, including; loading the digitized face (4); plotting a draft of the front of the frame; from the face (4): plotting a primary draft according to the curvature of the face in a horizontal plane; plotting a secondary draft according to the curvature of the face in a median plane, constructing a three-dimensional layer from these drafts; cutting a rough form of the front of the frame in the layer; creating the front of the frame by additive manufacturing.