Optical Lens Debloating via High-Pressure Jet Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for blocking spectacle lenses are inefficient, as they require preheating and can cause damage due to uneven force distribution, leading to prolonged processing times and potential lens deformation.

Innovation Solution

A device with a first movement device for rotating the lens, a nozzle assembly for a high-pressure jet, and a second movement device for precise alignment of the jet to the separation point between the lens and block piece, allowing for targeted application of pressure to quickly and safely detach the lens without preheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If preheating is used to soften block material, then blocking effectiveness is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblocking effectivenessVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the high-pressure nozzle to align with the separation point between lens and block material before the blocking operation begins. This preliminary alignment eliminates the need for preheating and allows immediate high-pressure detachment, reducing processing time while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical system (preheating to soften material) with a direct mechanical system (high-pressure water jet). This substitution eliminates the time-consuming heating phase while achieving the same goal of facilitating separation through controlled force application at the interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If high forces are applied to detach lens from block, then detachment effectiveness is improved, but lens damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachment effectivenessVSAvoidlens damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the high-pressure water jet precisely at the separation point between the lens and block material. This localized application ensures that detachment forces are applied only where needed (at the adhesive interface) rather than distributing force across the entire lens surface, thereby achieving effective detachment while minimizing lens deformation and damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses high-pressure water as an intermediary medium to transmit detachment forces. The water jet acts as a mediator that transfers energy from the nozzle to the adhesive interface, enabling effective separation without direct mechanical contact with the lens surface, thus reducing the risk of damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If high-pressure jet is applied without precise positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidjet alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing the nozzle assembly with automatic positioning features that utilize the workpiece itself as a reference. The nozzle positions itself relative to the lens-block assembly through geometric constraints and alignment features, eliminating the need for complex external positioning systems while maintaining high alignment precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing a positioning mechanism that serves multiple functions: it positions the nozzle for high-pressure detachment, maintains consistent spacing from the workpiece, and accommodates variations in lens and block material dimensions. This multi-functional design achieves precise alignment without requiring separate complex positioning systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables rapid, damage-free blocking of spectacle lenses by ensuring precise application of high-pressure jets, reducing processing time and minimizing lens deformation, making it suitable for high-volume production in RX workshops.

Implementation Method 1

a nozzle assembly 14 with a nozzle D for dispensing a high-pressure jet HDS of pressure medium in a direction essentially transverse to the axis of rotation B of the workpiece L onto an edge region between the workpiece L and block piece S

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic forces: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2485867B1Device and method for deblocking optical workpieces, particularly ophthalmic lenses

Publication Date: 2018.10.17 SATISLOH AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a deblocking device and an associated method for deblocking optical workpieces, for example, eyeglass lenses. The deblocking device has a first moving apparatus for rotating a workpiece blocked on a block piece about a workpiece rotational axis, a nozzle assembly having a nozzle for discharging a high-pressure pressure medium jet in a direction substantially perpendicular to the workpiece rotational axis onto an edge area between the workpiece and block piece, and a second moving apparatus for generating a relative motion between the workpiece and the nozzle along the workpiece rotational axis.