Lens Blank Optic Center Detection Using Transmitted Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the optic center of a lens blank, such as intraocular or contact lens blanks, are inaccurate due to new designs with minimal reflective features, leading to imprecise alignment on mandrels during machining and drilling.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a light source, visualization module, and actuators to induce relative displacement, analyzing transmitted light to determine the optic center by moving a spot closer to a reference point until a distance criterion is met, allowing precise positioning of the lens blank relative to a reference point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reflection-based methods are used to determine the optic centre, then the method is simple and fast, but the measurement precision deteriorates when lens blanks have minimal reflective features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional reflection-based approach by using transmission-based optical measurement instead. Rather than measuring light reflected from lens features, the system measures light transmitted through the lens blank, which provides accurate optic centre determination regardless of surface feature minimalism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning methods with optical measurement and actuator-based automated adjustment. The system uses a visualization module to detect the optic centre and actuators to automatically position the lens blank, eliminating the need for manual mechanical alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated positioning by using the lens blank's own optical properties to guide its alignment. The visualization module detects the optic centre of the lens blank itself, and the actuators automatically adjust the position based on this self-provided information, eliminating the need for complex external alignment apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the visualization module continuously monitors the position of the optic centre relative to the mandrel, and the actuators adjust the lens blank position based on this feedback until optimal alignment is achieved, ensuring high manufacturing precision.
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
Achieves precise determination of the optic center with an accuracy of 1 μm or lower, independent of lens blank design features and material properties, enabling accurate alignment on mandrels for further operations.
Implementation Method 1
positioning said lens blank between said light source and said visualization module along a possible optical path of said light beam, such that said visualization module is able to detect light generated by said light source and passing through said lens blank
Implementation Method 2
visualizing a spot obtained from the light generated in the previous step and passing through the lens blank
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for determining an optic centre of a lens blank (1) and comprising the following steps:providing a light source (2) and a visualization module (3);positioning said lens blank (1) between them;illuminating the lens blank (1);visualizing a spot (5) obtained from the light passing through the lens blank (1);inducing a relative displacement between the visualization module (3) and the lens blank (1) in order to move the spot (5) closer to a reference point (32);repeating the previous steps until a distance between the reference point (32) and the spot (5) fulfils a distance criterion;determining a position of an optic centre of the lens blank (1) by using the magnitudes of the performed displacements.