Optical Lens Mounting Support Device for Polishing Edge Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for polishing optical lenses with sharp edges often result in premature damage to polishing tools due to the sharp edges, leading to reduced tool lifespan and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a support device mounted between the spindle and the optical lens, extending its second main surface to eliminate sharp edges, using a support device with specific material properties such as elastomers and polyurethane foam to reduce wear on the polishing tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the optical lens is polished directly without extending the second main surface, then the polishing process is simple and quick, but the polishing tool suffers premature damage due to sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing tool lifespanVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A support device is introduced as an intermediary element between the optical lens and the polishing tool. This support device extends the second main surface of the lens, providing a protective barrier that prevents the polishing tool from直接接触 the sharp edges of the lens. The support device absorbs the mechanical stress and wear that would otherwise damage the polishing tool, thereby extending tool lifespan while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device is pre-positioned and secured to the optical lens before the polishing process begins. By extending the second main surface in advance, the sharp edges are protected from the outset, preventing premature tool damage before the polishing operation commences. This preliminary protective measure ensures the polishing tool can complete its full operational life without encountering damaging sharp edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If a support device is introduced to extend the second main surface, then the polishing tool lifespan is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing tool operational durationVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device serves as a mediating component that extends the second main surface of the optical lens. This intermediary structure protects the polishing tool from sharp edges while maintaining operational simplicity. The support device can be made from materials like foam or elastomers that provide the necessary structural extension without adding excessive complexity to the mounting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support device changes the geometric parameters of the lens assembly by extending the second main surface. This parameter change creates a protective overhang that prevents the polishing tool from contacting the sharp edges. By modifying the surface extension parameter rather than changing the fundamental polishing mechanism, the solution extends tool life without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the support device contact surface is covered with a membrane, then the polishing tool wear is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing tool wear resistanceVSAvoidsupport device manufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support device combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a base material (such as foam or elastomer) provides structural support and surface extension, while a membrane coating (such as rubber or polymer film) provides a protective, low-friction interface with the polishing tool. This composite structure reduces polishing tool wear through the membrane's protective properties while keeping the overall device manufacturable through standard composite material fabrication techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

A thin membrane film is applied to the contact surface of the support device. This flexible film provides a protective barrier that reduces wear on the polishing tool by preventing direct contact between the tool and the potentially sharp edges or rigid support device surface. The thin film nature of this solution minimizes manufacturing complexity while effectively extending tool lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2516110B1A method for mounting an optical lens to be polished
Publication Date: 2015.10.28 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP2516110B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2516110B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for mounting an optical lens to be polished Method for mounting an optical lens (10) to be polished on a spindle(20)of a polishing device, the optical lens (10) comprising a first and a second main surface (101, 102), the method comprising: an optical lens (10) providing step (S1), in which an optical lens (10) whose first main surface (101) is to be polished is provided, a mounting step (S2), in which the optical lens (10) is mounted on the spindle(20), wherein, the mounting step (S2) further comprises a support device positioning step (S3), in which a support device (30) is positioned between the spindle(20) and the second surface (102) of the optical lens (10) so as to be rotated by the spindle(20) and to have a contact surface (31) partly in contact with the second main surface (102) of the optical lens (10) that partly extends beyond the second main surface (102) of the optical lens (10).