Lens Deblocking with Fluid Jets and Rotating Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens deblocking processes are inefficient, cumbersome, and lack high throughput, often requiring large facilities and complex mechanisms for detaching lenses from block pieces and removing protective films.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus and method using fluid jets to simultaneously detach lenses from block pieces and remove protective layers, with rotating nozzles and grippers for efficient deblocking, allowing for high throughput and economical processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional deblocking processes are used, then lenses can be detached from block pieces, but the process is inefficient, cumbersome, and lacks high throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated apparatus: the lens holder simultaneously serves as a support during blocking and as a rotating component during deblocking; the fluid jet system integrates both lens detachment and protective film removal in one operation; the rotating mechanism unifies the deblocking and cleaning operations, eliminating the need for separate processing stations and enabling continuous high-throughput processing
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs multi-functional components: the fluid jet system can detach lenses from block pieces and remove protective films using the same basic mechanism; the rotating holder serves both as a positioning device during blocking and as a dynamic component during deblocking; the single apparatus performs multiple operations (deblocking, protective film removal, cleaning) that traditionally required separate dedicated devices
2Ease of operation
If large facilities and complex mechanisms are used for deblocking, then lenses can be detached and cleaned, but the facility size and mechanism complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple processing functions into a single compact apparatus: the lens holder integrates support, rotation, and positioning functions; the fluid jet system combines lens detachment and protective film removal in one integrated system; the rotating mechanism unifies deblocking and cleaning operations, eliminating the need for large separate processing areas and reducing overall facility footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fluid jets (pneumatic or hydraulic) to perform both lens detachment from block pieces and protective film removal, replacing complex mechanical scraping or peeling mechanisms with simpler fluid-based systems that require less space and are easier to control, thereby reducing facility size while improving operational simplicity
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
Enables fast, simple, and economical deblocking of lenses with high throughput, facilitating efficient removal of block material and protective layers, and optimizing the handling and further processing of lenses.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid jet strikes the block material and/or the protective layer, in particular laterally, so that the lens is detached together with the protective layer from the block material
Implementation Method 2
the blocked lens is rotated in particular
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for deblocking a lens, wherein the lens is blocked with a block material on a block piece. The block material is preheated by radiation. The blocked lens, the deblocked lens, and the deblocked block piece are handled by means of separate grippers. For deblocking, the lens and the block piece are held by opposing holding devices in a rotating manner, while a fluid jet acts on the block material from the side. After the deblocking, the lens and the block piece are cleaned simultaneously. Then, a holding device together with the deblocked lens pivot out from a working space. The deblocked lens is placed with the block side upward in a transport carrier. This makes possible a simple design and an optimized process sequence.