Optical Lens Blocking via Contrast Elements on Engraved Markings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing optical lenses face challenges in accurately positioning the surfaces of semi-finished lenses during the manufacturing process due to the obstruction of protective tapes covering the engraved markings, leading to potential optical errors.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the placement of contrast elements on the engraved markings of the lens member, followed by taping with adhesive tape, which improves visibility and accuracy of the markings, allowing for precise positioning on a lens holding unit, and subsequent adjustment of manufacturing parameters to ensure correct optical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protective tape is placed on the finished surface to block the lens, then the lens is securely maintained during manufacturing, but the engraved markings become difficult to view and position accurately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure maintenance of lensVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of engraved markings

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by placing contrast elements on the engraved markings before applying the protective tape. This allows the markings to be viewed and positioned accurately through the transparent tape, eliminating the need to remove the tape for positioning while maintaining secure lens maintenance during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If protective tape is placed on the finished surface, then the lens surface is protected during blocking, but the visibility of engraved markings is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of lens surfaceVSAvoidvisibility of engraved markings

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses contrast elements as an intermediary between the engraved markings and the protective tape. These elements enhance the visibility of the markings through the transparent tape by creating optical contrast, allowing the markings to be clearly detected while the lens surface remains protected by the tape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9545765B2Method of blocking an optical lens

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)

AI summary

A method of blocking a lens member having a surface to be manufactured on a lens holding unit, the method comprising: a lens member providing step during which a lens member comprising engraved markings is provided, a contrast providing step during which contrast elements are placed on the engraved markings, a taping step during which the marked surface of the lens member is taped with an adhesive tape over the contrast elements, and a blocking step during which the lens member is blocked on a lens holding unit via the taped surface.