Optical Lens Edge Processing with Reference Point Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge processing systems for optical lenses lack optimization in operation flow, precision, and throughput, leading to inefficiencies and errors in processing optical lenses for eyeglasses frames.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine an optical reference point on the lens using measurement systems, orient it for precise processing, and utilize a loading system to minimize handling changes and optimize the operation flow, enabling precise measurement and processing with high throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional loading system with multiple suction devices and complex handling is used, then the lens can be fed to the processing system, but the operation flow is not optimized and throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system is divided into a first loading device for picking up lenses from the input magazine and a second loading device for transferring lenses to the processing system. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall throughput while reducing unnecessary complexity in each component.
Solution Approach 2:
A holding device is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second loading devices. This holding device temporarily stores lenses and enables independent operation of the two loading devices, optimizing the operation flow and preventing bottlenecks that would reduce throughput.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lens is held and oriented precisely at the determined point, then measurement and processing precision is improved, but the handling system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device serves multiple functions: it holds the lens, orients the lens in the horizontal position, and transfers the lens between loading devices. This multi-functionality achieves precise positioning and orientation without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device replaces complex mechanical positioning and orientation systems by using a simplified mechanism that achieves the same precision through a different approach, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Productivity
If multiple grip changes are made during lens handling, then the lens can be adapted for different processing stages, but the operation flow is disrupted and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The first loading device picks up and pre-positions the lens in the holding device before the second loading device transfers it to the processing system. This preliminary action ensures the lens is ready for processing without requiring additional grip changes during the actual processing operation, maintaining smooth operation flow and high throughput.
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 achieves precise edge processing of optical lenses by minimizing parallactic deviations and optimizing the operation flow, resulting in improved precision and increased throughput while reducing structural costs.
Implementation Method 1
a point, in particular an optical reference point, is determined on the lens by means of an optical measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for processing, in particular edge processing, an optical lens, wherein the device has a measuring system, a processing system, a loading system, an unloading system, an intermediate conveyor, and a belt conveyor. The loading system is arranged between the measuring system and the processing system. The unloading system is arranged on the opposite side of the processing system. A lens that is to be processed is picked up and oriented at the optical reference point that is determined by the measuring system in order to determine as precisely as possible the blocking point for the subsequent processing. The loading system and unloading system each have a linearly movable swiveling system with linearly movable suction devices arranged therein. The processing system is designed for the simultaneous processing of two lenses.