Optical Lens Processing Machine with Integrated Laser Engraving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing machines for optical lenses lack precision and efficiency due to the need for time-consuming re-clamping and transfer of lenses between different processing units, leading to loss of precision and increased processing time.
Innovation Solution
A processing machine with a workpiece spindle that allows for simultaneous shaping, engraving, cleaning, and polishing without re-clamping, utilizing a second processing unit with a laser engraving device and additional machining units like milling and turning, along with a polishing unit, all controlled by precise translation and oscillation axes to maintain the lens's position and optimize processing quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lens is transferred between different processing units for shaping, engraving, and polishing, then multiple processing operations can be performed, but precision is lost and processing time increases due to re-clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines shaping unit (F), engraving unit (G), and polishing unit into a single integrated processing machine with one common workpiece spindle. The lens remains clamped in the same receptacle throughout all operations, eliminating transfers and re-clamping. The control system coordinates all units to operate on the lens in its fixed position, ensuring precision is maintained while achieving multiple processing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece spindle with receptacle serves as a universal holding device for all processing operations. The single processing machine performs shaping, engraving, and polishing functions through different units that all access the lens via the same workpiece spindle, making the system multi-functional without requiring lens transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lens is transferred between different processing units, then comprehensive processing can be achieved, but processing time increases due to multiple clamping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lens remains continuously clamped in the workpiece spindle throughout all processing operations. The shaping unit, engraving unit, and polishing unit operate sequentially or concurrently on the lens without interruption, eliminating the downtime associated with transfer and re-clamping operations. This continuous action significantly improves processing efficiency while maintaining comprehensive processing capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate processing machines are used for shaping and engraving, then specialized processing can be performed, but device complexity increases and precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges shaping unit (F) with laser engraving unit (G) into a single integrated machine. Both units access the lens through the same workpiece spindle and coordinate their operations through a unified control system. This reduces device complexity compared to separate machines while maintaining the specialized processing quality of each function through precise coordination.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the lens position changes during processing, then different processing areas can be accessed, but precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the lens in multiple directions which would compromise precision, the patent uses the rotation of the workpiece spindle to access different areas of the lens. The lens remains fixed in the receptacle while rotating about its optical axis, allowing all processing units to access any point on the lens surface through coordinated rotation and positioning, maintaining high position accuracy throughout.
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 precise and efficient processing of optical lenses by maintaining the lens's position throughout all steps, eliminating the need for re-clamping and allowing for optimal precision and reduced processing time, while enabling precise marking of technical and optical data without optical measuring methods.
Implementation Method 1
a second processing unit G with an engraving device with a laser source and devices for generating a laser beam for producing a laser engraving on the lens
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly to polish an optical lens (1) to the desired profile has a workpiece spindle (2) that rotates about an axis R1. The spindle moves under control both about the axis R1 and along a translatory axis T1 at right angles to the axis of rotation R1. The assembly incorporates a milling tool 3 acting along a milling axis 3.3, and a rotating cutter 4 that moves alternating under control along an oscillation axis O1. The assembly further has a grinding/polishing tool 5 acting on the lens. The polishing tool and spindle move relative to each other to ensure the correct polishing position and presentation. The second stage unit has an engraving unit (G) applied to the lens surface. The lens is clamped directly to the spindle.