Lens Polishing Head with Segmented Zones for Precision Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens polishing methods fail to achieve optimal polishing results with minimal abrasion, particularly for aspherical surfaces, as they lack precision in controlling polishing capacity and reproducibility across different lens geometries.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a lens polishing machine with a polishing head that calculates and sets an abrasion profile based on experimental measurements, using a polishing tool with a variable polishing point and movement vector, ensuring precise control over polishing capacity and distribution across the lens surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a polishing head with a flexible polishing surface is used to polish local ridges on spherical lenses, then the polishing precision for correcting overall polishing procedure is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional flexible polishing surfaces and zone control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The polishing head is divided into multiple independent polishing zones (first polishing zone, second polishing zone, third polishing zone) that can be controlled separately. Each zone has its own polishing surface and can be independently actuated to address specific surface features like ridges or general polishing requirements, enabling precise local control without requiring a completely flexible surface
Solution Approach 2:
The polishing head incorporates dynamic control capabilities where the rotational speeds of different polishing zones can be varied independently, and the polishing forces can be adjusted in real-time based on the specific polishing requirements of different lens regions, allowing adaptive precision polishing
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional polishing methods are used for aspherical surfaces, then the polishing process can be performed with standard equipment, but the polishing capacity control and reproducibility across different lens geometries deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables independent variation of rotational speeds for each polishing zone and adjustment of polishing forces, allowing the polishing parameters to be optimized for different lens geometries (spherical, aspherical, different radii) while maintaining consistent polishing capacity control and reproducibility across various lens types
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-zone polishing head is designed to handle multiple lens types and geometries (spherical lenses, aspherical lenses, lenses with different radii) using the same device, achieving universal applicability through programmable control of each zone's polishing parameters rather than requiring different equipment for different lens types
3Ease of operation
If the polishing point is positioned at the center of the polishing area, then the polishing process is simple to control, but the ability to correct local surface defects and achieve optimal polishing results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The polishing head is segmented into multiple zones with independent control, allowing the system to maintain simple overall control while enabling precise positioning of polishing capacity to specific radial locations on the lens surface, thereby correcting local defects without complicating the control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Each polishing zone is designed to provide localized polishing action at specific radial positions on the lens, with the ability to apply different polishing forces and speeds to different zones, enabling local correction of surface defects while maintaining simple centralized control of the overall polishing process
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
This approach ensures minimal abrasion and optimal polishing results by varying the polishing capacity radially, preventing groove reinforcement and improving reproducibility by adjusting the polishing point's radius and movement direction, thus enhancing the polishing process for both spherical and aspherical lenses.
Implementation Method 1
a polishing area of a polishing head which rotates around a tool spindle axis is guided over the lens surface of a workpiece which is to be polished, wherein the polishing area and the lens surface are in contact only in a partial section, the polishing point
Implementation Method 2
a method for polishing lens surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A method for polishing lens surfaces, in which a) prior to the polishing process, for the purpose of determining an abrasion profile, at least one point of a workpiece is polished by means of a polishing tool to be used, using at least one pre-defined parameter; b) the polishing abrasion thus achieved on the workpiece side is determined by measuring; c) on the basis of the abrasion profile, at least one parameter is set for a subsequent polishing process, and the polishing process is completed at least partially. A method for polishing lens surfaces, in which the polishing point is places at least outside of the workpiece center at a distance a from a plane which is tensioned by the tool spindle axis and the workpiece spindle axis. The invention furthermore relates to a lens polishing machine in which at least one movement axis is provided, by means of which a distance a between the polishing point and a plane which is tensioned by the tool spindle axis and the workpiece spindle axis can be set and/or changed.