Automated Lens Coloring via Multi-Valve Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coloring glasses lenses are inefficient, lack reproducibility, and are not suitable for individual or small batch production, often requiring manual intervention and leading to non-uniform coloration or pixelated results.
Innovation Solution
A coating system with a device for mixing and dosing liquid coating substances, utilizing a single multiple valve and conveyor facility to automate the process, ensuring precise and reproducible color application on glasses lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual dipping and visual inspection is used to achieve desired color, then color customization is possible, but full automation is precluded and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical dipping operations with an automated coating system that uses a coating chamber and application device. The system automatically applies liquid coating material containing dye to lenses, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the coloring process while maintaining color customization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and delivery method of the dyeing medium from a bulk aqueous dye solution (requiring manual dipping) to a controlled liquid coating material applied through a coating device. This enables precise control over coating application parameters such as coating amount, distribution, and timing, facilitating automation while maintaining color quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If immersion in aqueous dye solution is used, then coloring occurs through diffusion, but manual removal and visual inspection are required, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of removing lenses from dye baths with an automated coating system that applies dye solution directly to lenses in a controlled manner. The coating device can be integrated with substrate handling mechanisms that automatically position and remove lenses, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining color uniformity through controlled application.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating system is designed to perform the coloring operation autonomously without requiring manual inspection or intervention. The system includes features that automatically control the coating process, such as timed application, controlled dye concentration, and integration with substrate handling, enabling the process to serve itself without human oversight.
3Measurement precision
If multiple valves and conveying devices are used for mixing and dosing, then precise dosing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multiple valve that can perform multiple functions: controlling the flow of liquid coating material from storage containers, regulating dosing amounts, and coordinating the timing of different coating components. This single multi-functional valve replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate valves and control mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining precise dosing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated conveying device and valve system. The multiple valve is integrated with the coating chamber and substrate handling system, allowing precise dosing and control of liquid coating materials without requiring separate, independent control mechanisms for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If inkjet printing is used to color lenses, then individual color application is possible, but rasterized or pixelated color applications are created which are undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the digital inkjet printing process with a liquid coating application system that delivers dye solution directly to the lens surface. This physical coating approach eliminates the rasterization effect inherent in digital printing, producing smooth, uniform color application while maintaining the ability to apply individual colors and patterns to each lens.
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
The system enables fast, cost-effective, and reproducible individual coloring of glasses lenses, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring uniform color application, suitable for industrial-scale production.
Implementation Method 1
a conveying device for sucking in and ejecting liquids
Implementation Method 2
a multiple valve arranged therebetween, wherein the multiple valve is switchable into different valve positions and is adapted to establish one of the following connections
Implementation Method 3
a mixing container, the liquid outlet for mixed and/or dosed liquid coating materials
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (12) for mixing/dosing liquid coating materials, particularly for use in a coating system (10) for spectacle lenses, has at least one first and one second storage container (14-24) for liquid starting materials, a conveying device (26) for drawing in and discharging liquids, a mixing container (28), and a liquid outlet (30) for mixed/dosed liquid coating materials. A multi-way valve (32) is arranged between these components, which can be switched to different valve positions and adapted to establish one of the following connections (a, b, c, d) while simultaneously disconnecting the other connections: (a) connection between the first storage container and the conveying device, (b) connection between the second storage container and the conveying device, (c) connection between the conveying device and the mixing container, and (d) connection between the conveying device and the liquid outlet.This makes it possible, in particular, to implement a method for individually coloring spectacle lenses, in which the individual color is mixed reproducibly for only one spectacle lens or a pair of spectacle lenses according to a known mixing ratio.