Spectacle Lens Machining Cell for Compact High-Throughput Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectacle lens processing systems face challenges in achieving high throughput while maintaining a compact design and efficient use of space, often resulting in low throughput and complex handling processes.
Innovation Solution
A processing system with multiple simultaneous or independent processing stations, including milling, turning, cleaning, and polishing, arranged on a common base frame with a compact transport system and handling devices for efficient lens and tool management, allowing for fully automated processing and high throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate processing devices with individual conveyor systems are used, then processing flexibility is improved, but system complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing devices (milling, turning, polishing stations) into a single integrated processing system with a common base frame and shared conveyor system. This merging approach maintains processing flexibility while reducing the number of separate systems needed, thereby decreasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The single conveyor system serves all processing stations, and the system can process different lens types and sizes, providing multi-functionality that reduces the need for specialized separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate processing devices with individual conveyor systems are used, then processing flexibility is improved, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple processing stations into one integrated system with a shared conveyor, the patent significantly reduces the floor space required compared to having separate devices. The compact arrangement of stations around a central conveyor minimizes the overall footprint while maintaining full processing capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If a single processing device with movably mounted workpiece spindle is used, then space requirement is reduced, but throughput decreases because multiple lenses cannot be machined simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is segmented into multiple independent processing stations (milling, turning, polishing) that can operate simultaneously on different lenses. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple lenses, significantly increasing throughput while keeping each station compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous processing where lenses move through different stations without interruption. While one lens is being milled, another can be turned, and a third polished, ensuring that all processing stations are continuously productive and maximizing overall throughput.
4Device complexity
If a common production cell with single robot handling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system incorporates automated self-service features where the integrated conveyor automatically transports lenses between stations without requiring manual intervention or complex robotic handling. The system manages its own material flow, reducing handling complexity while maintaining high throughput through automated continuous operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A processing system and a method for processing spectacle lenses are proposed. The processing system comprises several processing stations, in particular a milling station, a turning station, a polishing station, a cleaning station, and/or a marking station. Furthermore, the processing system includes a transport system for transporting the spectacle lenses or transport containers for the spectacle lenses. The processing system preferably also includes a common base frame and/or a common enclosure for the processing stations. The processing system and/or method allow for the simultaneous processing of multiple spectacle lenses at different processing stations.