Cuvette Inspection Window for Ophthalmic Lens Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cuvette systems for inspecting ophthalmic lenses, particularly soft contact lenses, face inefficiencies due to the need for tilting, which causes contact lenses to float and settle, resulting in waiting times and inaccurate positional information, hindering the automation and accuracy of the inspection and removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A cuvette system with a separate inspection window and receptacle, where the inspection window is immersed in the liquid only during inspection, eliminating the need for tilting, and using a helical compression spring to bias the tubular housing for precise alignment and easy cleaning, along with a drainboard to prevent water spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the one-piece cell is tilted from handling position to inspection position, then the inspection window can be aligned with the optical axis for optical inspection, but the liquid inside the cell is agitated causing the contact lens to float and settle, resulting in waiting periods that reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The cuvette is divided into separate components: a receptacle for holding the contact lens and liquid, and a separate inspection window assembly. This segmentation allows the inspection window to be positioned independently without tilting the entire cell, eliminating liquid agitation while maintaining optical inspection quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection window assembly is made movable relative to the receptacle, allowing it to be dynamically positioned into the optical path for inspection and then retracted. This dynamic positioning enables inspection without moving the liquid-containing receptacle, thus preventing lens displacement.
2Ease of operation
If the one-piece cell is tilted back to handling position after inspection, then the contact lens can be removed from the cell, but the liquid is agitated again causing the lens to float and settle, requiring additional waiting time before removal
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the inspection window from the receptacle, the system allows the receptacle to remain stationary in the handling position while the inspection window assembly moves for inspection. The lens stays settled in the receptacle throughout, enabling immediate removal after inspection without additional waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable inspection window assembly acts as an intermediary that provides optical access to the stationary receptacle. This intermediary structure allows inspection to be performed without disturbing the liquid and lens system, eliminating the need for waiting periods before lens removal.
3Device complexity
If the inspection window is permanently fixed in the receptacle opening, then the cell structure is simplified, but the receptacle cannot be easily cleaned and the inspection window cannot be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection window assembly is segmented from the receptacle structure, allowing it to be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling easy cleaning of the receptacle and replacement of the inspection window without affecting the other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection window assembly is designed with movable and replaceable connections to the receptacle, transitioning from a fixed permanent structure to a dynamic configurable one. This allows the inspection window to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement while maintaining a simple overall device structure.
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 design reduces waiting times, maintains accurate positional information for precise lens removal, facilitates easier cleaning and handling, and allows for simultaneous inspection of multiple lenses, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the contact lens inspection process.
Implementation Method 1
the tubular housing is biased towards the free end thereof
Implementation Method 2
the contact lens leaving its rest position again and floating in the liquid
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A cuvette system (1) for use in the optical inspection of ophthalmic lenses comprises at least one receptacle (2) for accommodating an ophthalmic lens. The receptacle (2) has a longitudinal extension and an opening (20) arranged at one longitudinal end thereof. The receptacle (2) is adapted for containing a liquid. The cuvette system further comprises at least one inspection window (3) having an inspection surface (31). The inspection window (3) is arranged stationary and from the receptacle (2). The inspection window (3) is adapted for being joined to the receptacle (2) at the opening (20) of the receptacle (2) such that the inspection surface (31) of the inspection window (3) is immersed in the liquid. The inspection window (3) is further adapted for being removed from the opening (20) of the receptacle (2).