H-Gantry Optical Loading for High-Throughput Lens Deblocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading systems for optical machines, particularly those used in deblocking processes for spectacle lenses, face challenges in achieving high dynamics and throughput due to weight and cable trailing system limitations.
Innovation Solution
A loading system with a carrier movable in a plane by two linear guide units arranged in an H or cross gantry configuration, utilizing stationary drive motors and a traction element to achieve high accelerations and dynamic movement of optical workpieces and block pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a loading system with movable drive motors and cable trailing systems is used, then the system can achieve basic loading and unloading functions, but the weight increases and dynamics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drive motors are extracted from the moving carrier and fixed to the stationary frame, separating the drive function from the moving components. This removes the weight of motors and cable trailing systems from the moving mass, enabling high dynamics while maintaining basic loading functions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having motors mounted on the moving carrier (conventional approach), the invention inverts the arrangement by mounting motors on the stationary frame and using a traction element to pull the carrier. This inversion eliminates cable trailing limitations and increases system dynamics
2Productivity
If a loading system with complex cable trailing systems is used, then the system can maintain basic functionality, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex cable trailing system is extracted and replaced by a simple traction element running through guide units. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve high throughput through accelerated movement
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cable trailing system is replaced by a tension-based traction element system with stationary motors, simplifying the mechanical architecture while enabling higher productivity through reduced mass and friction
3Productivity
If a loading system with high acceleration capability is implemented, then the throughput increases, but the system requires stationary motors and simplified mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The two linear guide units are combined in an H-gantry configuration with stationary motors at the top, merging the drive function into a fixed position while achieving high throughput through coordinated movement of the carrier along both guide units
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an H-gantry configuration that adds a vertical dimension to the guide unit arrangement, allowing stationary motors to drive the carrier through a traction element that runs vertically and horizontally, achieving high throughput without increasing horizontal footprint
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a loading system (LS) for an optical machine, that has a carrier (TR), which can be moved in a movement plane (x-y) by way of two linear guide units (LF1, LF2). At least one holder (H1, H2, H3) for a workpiece, block piece and/or tool is mounted on the carrier, which holder can be moved in a transverse direction (z), which is perpendicular to the movement plane. The linear guide units are designed and arranged in the manner of an H gantry or cross gantry, with two stationary drive motors (AM1, AM2) for driving a tension element (ZG) in the same direction or in opposite directions, which tension element is movably arranged on the linear guide units in an H shape or cross shape and is fastened to the carrier.