Lens Mapping System with Three-Pin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectacle lens mapping systems face inaccuracies due to the reliance on aligning frames rather than lenses, particularly with lenses having significant sag or tilt, and require manual or motorized alignment to correct for these issues.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a three-pin alignment mechanism that ensures lenses are positioned perpendicular to the measurement beam, allowing for semi-automatic alignment and clamping, enabling accurate mapping independent of lens sag or tilt, with a mechanical structure allowing freedom of rotation except around the optical axis to maintain precise measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If frames are placed directly on the measurement table for alignment, then the alignment process is simplified, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to lens sag and tilt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lens holder as an intermediary device between the measurement table and the lens. The holder provides a reference plane that is independent of the frame, allowing the lens to be positioned accurately on the holder's reference surface. This mediator (the holder with its precision reference plane) enables both ease of operation and high measurement accuracy by decoupling the alignment reference from the frame itself.
2Measurement precision
If manual or motorized alignment is used to align the mechanical center of lenses with the measurement beam, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-aligning mechanism where the lens holder's reference plane automatically orients the lens correctly on the measurement table. The holder's design with precision reference surfaces allows the lens to self-position itself without requiring complex motorized adjustment mechanisms or manual alignment procedures. This self-service approach achieves high center alignment accuracy while keeping the device simple and operation quick.
3Measurement precision
If frames are aligned manually or by motors, then lens center alignment is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming alignment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features into the lens holder design, such as precision reference planes and positioning surfaces that are prepared in advance. When a lens is placed on the holder, the alignment is already predetermined by the holder's geometry, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual or motorized adjustment during the measurement process. This preliminary preparation enables both high alignment precision and fast measurement throughput.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
A system for holding and aligning spectacles such that mapping measurements of the optical properties of a lens can be performed with the lens held such that its optica! axis is parallel to the incident measurement beam. This may be implemented using three points which define a plane with which a surface of the lens can be aligned. The frame gripper is constructed such that the lens to be measured is free to rotate in space around any axis until clamped by the three alignment pin support arrangement, with the exception of rotation around the optical axis of the lens. This freedom of rotation allows the lens to be positioned on the alignment pin support automatically without the need for operator intervention. The spectacle frame is clamped using a spring loaded caliper device, configured to sequentially align the mechanical center of each lens with the measuring beam.