Elastic Lens Retainer Membrane for Deformation-Free Vacuum Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing spectacle lenses require auxiliary processes like blocking, which lead to undesirable elastic deformations and deviations in geometry, especially when processing thin or complex lenses, due to inadequate holding systems.
Innovation Solution
An elastic membrane with a perforation and semi-permeable functional membrane is used in a receptacle, allowing for controlled vacuum holding and preventing liquid ingress, which supports the lens without causing deformation and maintains precise geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blocking methods are used to hold spectacle lenses during processing, then the lenses can be securely held, but the lenses suffer from undesirable elastic deformations and geometric deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane (薄壁结构) that can adapt to the lens surface without rigid constraints, allowing the lens to be held securely while preventing elastic deformations. The membrane's flexibility enables it to conform to the lens shape without imposing rigid forces that would cause geometric deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary between the holding mechanism and the lens. Instead of direct rigid contact, the membrane mediates the holding force, distributing it evenly across the lens surface and eliminating the point-contact deformations caused by conventional blocking methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thin or complex spectacle lenses are processed using conventional holding systems, then processing can be performed, but the holding systems cause elastic deformations and geometry deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane can adapt to various lens thicknesses and complex surface geometries without causing deformations. Its thin-film structure allows it to conform to any lens shape while maintaining uniform support, enabling processing of thin and complex lenses with high geometric precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane's physical parameters (flexibility, thickness, material properties) are optimized to match the specific requirements of different lens types. By adjusting these parameters, the system can accommodate thin lenses and complex geometries while preventing elastic deformations during processing.
3Reliability
If openings are provided in the membrane for vacuum holding, then vacuum can be applied to hold the workpiece, but liquid may ingress through the openings
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed with different local properties: regions with openings for vacuum application and regions without openings for liquid barrier function. This local differentiation allows the membrane to perform both vacuum holding and liquid protection functions simultaneously, with each region optimized for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane itself acts as an intermediary that selectively permits vacuum passage through openings while blocking liquid ingress. The membrane material properties and opening configuration create a selective barrier that allows gas molecules to pass while preventing liquid molecules from penetrating, resolving the contradiction between vacuum access and liquid protection.
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
The solution enables reliable, deformation-free processing of spectacle lenses by providing consistent and adaptable support, ensuring high precision and quality in machining complex surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one opening is assigned a semi-permeable functional membrane which extends only locally, in an area immediately adjacent to the opening and which is permeable to gas, but counteracts the passage of liquid through the at least one opening
Implementation Method 2
an elastic membrane for a holder for processing optical workpieces... which mounting section... in order to delimit a chamber therein... through which a vacuum applied to the chamber can be guided to the outside
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
An elastic membrane (12) for a fixture (10) for processing optical workpieces (14) is adapted via a mounting section (28) for mounting on a housing (26) of the fixture in order to delimit a chamber (34) therein by a receiving section (30) connected to the mounting section. The latter has an outer surface (32) on which a workpiece with a workpiece surface (16) can be placed flat, and an inner surface (40) which is adapted for the attachment of a support arrangement (24) for the workpiece received in the chamber. As part of a holding arrangement (22) for the workpiece, the receiving section has a perforation (44) with at least one opening (46) connecting the inner and outer surfaces, through which a vacuum applied to the chamber can be directed to the outer surface. The opening is a semipermeable, i.e.A gas-permeable and liquid-blocking functional membrane (48) is associated with the device, which extends only locally in an area immediately adjacent to the opening. A photograph showing such an elastic membrane is also disclosed.