Lens Processing Apparatus Orthogonal Grinding Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lens processing technologies face challenges in efficiently performing centering, edging, D-cut, and end face processing with a single apparatus, often requiring complex setups and risking misalignment during D-cut processing.
Innovation Solution
A lens processing apparatus with a rotatable optical member holding unit and a coaxially held ring-shaped grinding tool, where the optical member and grinding tool are orthogonally aligned, allowing for relative movement and rotation to grind the outer periphery in a planar shape, enabling simultaneous performance of multiple processing steps without complicating the apparatus structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple processing steps (centering, edging, D-cut, end face processing) are performed by the same apparatus, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with a universal processing mechanism that can perform multiple different processing steps (centering, edging, D-cut, end face processing) using the same basic structural components. The optical member holding unit and grinding tool can be configured to execute various operations without requiring separate dedicated apparatus for each function, thereby improving productivity while controlling device complexity through design universality.
2Productivity
If D-cut processing is performed by the same apparatus, then productivity is improved, but misalignment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the grinding tool to perform D-cut processing, the invention inverts the approach by rotating the optical member holding unit to perform the D-cut operation. This inversion of the conventional processing approach allows the same apparatus to perform multiple operations including D-cut while maintaining alignment accuracy through the rotational capability of the holding unit rather than requiring complex tool positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex setups are used to perform multiple processing steps, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs dynamic capabilities where the optical member holding unit can rotate around a first rotation axis and the grinding tool can rotate around a second rotation axis. These rotational degrees of freedom provide the necessary flexibility to perform multiple processing steps with high precision without requiring complex static positioning mechanisms, thereby achieving manufacturing precision while controlling device complexity through dynamic motion control.
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 solution allows for accurate and efficient centering, edging, and D-cut processing with reduced complexity and time, preventing misalignment during D-cut operations and enabling high-precision lens manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
grind a part of the outer periphery in a planar shape
Data Source
AI summary
A method for lens processing includes the steps of: holding an optical member as a processing target such that an optical axis of the optical member is orthogonal to a central axis of a ring-shaped grinding tool; and grinding the optical member by causing the optical member to abut on an end face of the grinding tool while rotating at least the grinding tool around the central axis. The grinding of the optical member includes causing at least one of the optical member and the grinding tool to move relatively to the other along the optical axis while rotating only the grinding tool to grind a part of an outer periphery of the optical member in a planar shape.