Spectacle Lens Blank Blocking With Optical Marks for Decentered Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for blocking spectacle lens blanks face challenges in achieving consistent, decentered arrangements and orientations, particularly when multiple blocking steps are required, and there is a need for precise positioning of markings for lens adaptation to spectacle frames.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of an optical mark on the lens blank to indicate its center point, allowing decentered blocking and precise alignment with a blocking piece, enabling automated recognition and adjustment for multiple processing steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the spectacle lens blank is blocked in a centered manner, then the arrangement is simple and consistent, but decentered blocking cannot be achieved when required for mechanical alteration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability for decentered blockingVSAvoidblocking arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An optical mark is applied to the spectacle lens blank before the blocking process to indicate the center point position. This preliminary marking enables the subsequent decentered blocking to be accurately positioned without requiring complex real-time measurement systems during the blocking operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The optical mark serves as an intermediary element between the lens blank and the blocking piece. By providing a visible reference point on the lens blank, the mark facilitates the alignment and positioning of the lens blank on the blocking piece in a decentered arrangement, eliminating the need for complex direct measurement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple blocking steps are performed between different manufacturing steps, then comprehensive mechanical alteration is achieved, but consistent arrangement and orientation becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of arrangement and orientationVSAvoidmultiple blocking steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical mark is applied in advance to the spectacle lens blank to indicate the center point position. This preliminary marking remains visible throughout multiple blocking steps, enabling consistent reproduction of the same decentered arrangement and orientation across different manufacturing operations without requiring complex re-measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The optical mark provides continuous visual feedback during multiple blocking steps, allowing operators to verify the correct positioning of the lens blank on each blocking piece. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent arrangement and orientation across different manufacturing steps without requiring complex automated measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If optical marks are applied for lens adaptation, then identification of specific points is enabled, but the marks interfere with manufacturing processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens adaptation identificationVSAvoidinterference with manufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical mark indicating the center point is applied to the spectacle lens blank before any manufacturing processes begin. By establishing this reference mark in advance, the mark serves the dual purpose of facilitating both the manufacturing process (by enabling precise decentered blocking) and the subsequent lens adaptation process, rather than interfering with either.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The optical mark is applied at a specific location on the spectacle lens blank (indicating the center point position) rather than across the entire lens surface. This localized marking provides the necessary identification information for both manufacturing and adaptation processes while minimizing interference with the optical quality and mechanical processing of the lens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4678334A1Method for blocking a spectacle lens blank
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 CARL ZEISS VISION INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • EP4678334A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4678334A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4678334A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Provided is a method for blocking a spectacle lens blank, comprising identifying at least a position of a center point of the spectacle lens blank, and applying an optical mark to the spectacle lens blank indicating at least the position of the center point of the spectacle lens blank. The method is characterized in that it further comprises arranging the spectacle lens blank in a decentered manner at the blocking piece, at least such that the position of the center point indicated by the applied optical mark is located in a predefined relative position with respect to the blocking piece, and blocking the spectacle lens blank to the blocking piece in the decentered arrangement.