Optical Lens Edge Processing with Single-Grip Reference Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical lens processing systems lack optimization for precise processing with high throughput, leading to inefficiencies and errors in edge processing for spectacle lenses.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that involve determining an optical reference point on the lens through optical measurement, aligning it for precise holding and processing, and using an intermediate conveyor to minimize grip changes and optimize the processing sequence, allowing for precise measurement and processing while maintaining high throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the lens is held and measured at multiple points during processing, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of grip changes increases reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the optical reference point and block point through optical measurement before the lens is held and processed. The lens is optically measured first while in a loose state, allowing non-contact determination of critical points. Only after these points are identified does the loading device grip the lens at the block point for subsequent processing operations, eliminating the need for multiple grip changes during measurement and positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the lens is aligned precisely at the optical reference point, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with optical measurement methods. Instead of using mechanical fixtures and physical alignment tools to position the lens, the system uses optical measurement to non-contactly determine the optical reference point and block point. The loading device then simply grips the lens at the identified block point and rotates it to the correct orientation, substituting complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with simpler gripping and rotation actions based on optical data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple grip changes are made during lens processing, then adaptability is improved, but processing time increases reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling flexibilityVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining both the optical reference point and the block point through optical measurement before any gripping occurs. The system identifies all necessary holding and processing points in advance while the lens is still in its initial position. The loading device then grips the lens once at the block point and performs all subsequent operations (rotation, positioning, processing) from this single grip, eliminating multiple grip changes and maintaining handling flexibility through precise pre-determined point identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 precise and efficient edge processing of optical lenses by minimizing parallax errors and reducing grip changes, resulting in improved processing accuracy and increased throughput.

Implementation Method 1

a point, in particular an optical reference point, is determined on the lens by means of an optical measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical measurement: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3409419B1Method and device for machining the edge of an optical lens
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 SCHNEIDER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3409419B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3409419B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3409419B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device and a method for processing, in particular edge processing, of an optical lens are proposed, the device having a measuring device, a processing device, a loading device, an unloading device, an intermediate conveyor and a belt conveyor. The loading device is arranged between the measuring device and the processing device. The unloading device is arranged on the opposite side of the processing device. A lens to be processed is recorded and aligned at the optical reference point determined by the measuring device in order to determine the block point for subsequent processing as precisely as possible. The loading device and unloading device each have a linearly displaceable pivoting device with linearly movable suckers arranged therein. The processing device is designed for the simultaneous processing of two lenses.