Lens Blocking Mold with Multi-Size Openings and Coolant Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens blocking devices require complex and time-consuming processes for changing block sizes, leading to reduced throughput and increased costs in lens manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a block mold featuring multiple differently shaped block openings and a changeover drive allows for quick and simple switching between block sizes, combined with a coolant channel for efficient cooling, enabling high throughput and cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single block opening is used in the block mold, then the device structure is simple, but the throughput is reduced due to time-consuming block size changes
Solution Approach 1:
The block mold is segmented into multiple block openings (first block opening, second block opening, etc.) within a single mold structure. Each opening is configured to form different block sizes, allowing the mold to produce multiple block types in one cycle without requiring structural replacement, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The block mold is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating several block openings that can form different block sizes. This universal design allows a single mold to serve multiple purposes (producing various block dimensions) simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple specialized molds and improving production efficiency.
2Loss of time
If block size changing is performed manually or with simple mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the time required for changing blocks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The block mold incorporates a changeover mechanism that enables dynamic switching between different block openings. The mechanism allows the mold to transition between producing different block sizes quickly and easily, transforming a static single-function mold into a dynamic multi-function system that adapts to different production requirements without significant time loss.
3Productivity
If block material cooling is insufficient, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the solidification time increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic principles through coolant channels that circulate cooling fluid through the block mold structure. This fluid circulation system efficiently removes heat from the block material during solidification, accelerating the cooling process and reducing cycle time while maintaining a relatively simple integrated design.
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
Facilitates rapid adaptation to different lens sizes, enhances throughput, and optimizes cooling for rapid solidification of block material, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective lens manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant channel for cooling the block material
Implementation Method 2
a coolant channel for cooling the block material
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and the use of a block mold for blocking a lens are proposed, wherein the lens is blocked onto a block piece by means of a block material. The space between the lens and the block piece is laterally bounded by a block mold. The block mold is preferably plate-shaped and has several block openings for forming different block sizes, as well as an integrated coolant channel. This enables easy and quick changing between different block sizes and very good cooling.