Ophthalmic Lens Mold Unit With Friction Ring Angular Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mold units for manufacturing toric contact lenses suffer from angular deviations of the toric back surface, limiting the production of lenses with optimal vision correction for astigmatic eyes, and cannot accommodate angular arrangements other than in 10° steps.
Innovation Solution
A mold unit with an adapter piece, sleeve, and adjustment ring that allows for precise angular adjustment of lens molds using a frictional clamping mechanism, enabling rotation of the sleeve relative to the adapter piece upon application of a predetermined torque, facilitating alignment at any desired angular position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a toothed adjustment ring with fixed locking elements is used, then the sleeve can be rotated to predetermined angular positions in 10° steps, but angular deviations occur and precise alignment at any desired angle is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the discrete angular positions (10° steps) to continuous angular adjustment by replacing the toothed rack with a friction clamping mechanism. The clamping block with clamping surface contacts the adjustment ring's outer surface, allowing the sleeve to be rotated to any desired angular position and locked in place, eliminating the 10° step limitation and achieving precise angular alignment for optimal toric lens correction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the adjustment ring is firmly clamped to prevent rotation, then angular position is stable, but the sleeve cannot be rotated to adjust the angular position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies a dynamic friction clamping mechanism where the clamping block can be moved between clamped and released states. When the torque application element applies force, the clamping block releases from the adjustment ring, allowing rotational adjustment. When the force is released, the clamping block returns to clamp the adjustment ring, stabilizing the angular position. This dynamic switching between clamped and unclamped states resolves the contradiction between stability and adjustability.
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 mold unit eliminates angular deviations and allows production of toric contact lenses with optimal vision correction for astigmatic eyes, accommodating various angular arrangements, enhancing manufacturing flexibility and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping block being arranged such as to frictionally clamp the adjustment ring so as to prevent inadvertent rotation of the sleeve relative to the adapter piece
Implementation Method 2
The flat circular outer engagement surface of the adjustment ring and the flat inner clamping surface of the clamping block are configured such that the clamping block frictionally clamps the adjustment ring
Data Source
AI summary
A mold unit for molding ophthalmic lenses comprises:A) an adapter piece comprising an opening extending around a longitudinal axis; B) a sleeve fixedly connected to the adapter piece and extending through the opening of the adapter piece; C) a lens mold rigidly mounted to the sleeve; D) an adjustment ring firmly attached to the sleeve to circumferentially surround a portion of the sleeve. The adjustment ring comprises a flat circular outer engagement surface, and the adapter piece comprises at least one clamping block having a flat inner clamping surface. The flat inner clamping surface frictionally clamps the flat circular outer engagement surface to prevent inadvertent rotation of the sleeve relative to the adapter piece) but to allow rotation of the sleeve relative to the adapter piece upon the application of a torque higher than a predetermined threshold torque.