Ophthalmic Lens Shaping With Constant Force and Contact Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining processes for ophthalmic lenses, such as edging and surfacing, assume repeatable operations and constant tool performance, leading to suboptimal use of machinery and inefficiencies due to these assumptions not being met in practice.

Innovation Solution

A process that uses a machining device equipped with blocking means and a force sensor to control the machining tool, maintaining a constant machining speed and force, ensuring the tool operates at maximum capacity by adjusting the distance and force applied during shaping operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the machining process operates at maximum capacity with constant speed and force control, then productivity is improved, but the process complexity increases due to real-time sensor feedback and dynamic adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback control by measuring the actual force applied during machining and comparing it to a reference force value. The control system dynamically adjusts machining parameters based on this feedback to maintain optimal cutting conditions, ensuring the tool operates at maximum capacity while preventing excessive forces that could damage the lens or tool

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with sensor-based measurement and electronic control. Force sensors measure the actual machining forces, and this data is processed by a control system that automatically adjusts parameters, substituting manual or purely mechanical control with intelligent, data-driven control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the machining tool operates at maximum capacity, then productivity is improved, but the risk of lens damage increases due to excessive force application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining efficiencyVSAvoidlens integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the actual force applied during machining and compares it to predetermined safe force limits. When the measured force approaches dangerous levels, the system automatically reduces the machining speed or adjusts the tool path, preventing lens damage while maintaining maximum efficient operation within safe parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control where machining parameters such as speed and feed rate are continuously adjusted during the machining process based on real-time force measurements. This allows the system to operate at maximum capacity when conditions permit while automatically adapting to prevent damage when forces become excessive

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 optimizes productivity by ensuring the machining tool operates at its maximum capacity, improving efficiency and quality by maintaining consistent speed and force throughout the machining process.

Implementation Method 1

a force sensor adapted to measure a force that is related to the force applied by the machining tool to the ophthalmic lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force

Data Source

PatentEP4431232A1Process for shaping an optic lens
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP4431232A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4431232A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4431232A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a process for shaping an optic lens using a machining device equipped with blocking means for blocking the optic lens, a machining tool for machining a surface (S0) of the optic lens and a force sensor adapted to measure a force (F) that is related to the force applied by the machining tool to the optic lens, comprising: - a step of blocking the optic lens in said blocking means; and - a step of shaping the optic lens using said machining tool, in which step the value of said force is measured and said machining tool and/or said blocking means are controlled depending on the measured value, characterized in that, during said step of shaping, said machining tool is controlled such that the speed (V) of the contact point between said optic lens and said machining tool remains substantially equal to a first preset constant (Vt) and such that the measured value of said force remains substantially equal to a second preset constant.