Optical Lens Surface Positioning via Reference Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing optical lenses are inefficient in accurately controlling the positioning of optical surfaces, leading to potential optical errors, and existing quality control methods are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of reference markings on both surfaces of an optical lens, with surface data provided to determine and compare the positions of these markings to estimate positioning errors, allowing for accurate alignment and quality control during the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full optical function measurement and/or 3D surfaces measurement are used to check the relative positions of optical surfaces, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified reference system copy using markings on the lens surfaces that replicates the essential positional information needed for quality control. Instead of performing complex optical function measurements, the invention uses a marking-based reference system that can be quickly measured and compared to verify lens alignment, thus achieving accurate measurement without time-consuming complex procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces markings as an intermediary element between the optical surfaces and the measurement process. These markings serve as mediators that encode positional information about the optical surfaces, allowing indirect but accurate measurement of relative positions through simple marking detection rather than direct complex optical measurement
2Productivity
If conventional machining methods are used without intermediate blocking, then manufacturing speed is improved, but positioning accuracy between surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary blocking with reference markings established before the final machining operation. The first surface is blocked and marked in advance, creating a stable reference framework that guides subsequent machining of the second surface. This preliminary action ensures positioning accuracy is maintained while allowing efficient continuous manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and measurement systems with an optical marking-based reference system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical blocking and physical measurement tools, the invention uses optically detectable markings that can be quickly read and used for positioning, thereby improving both speed and accuracy
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 method enables efficient and accurate determination of positioning errors between optical surfaces, improving the quality of optical lenses and reducing the time and cost associated with quality control processes.
Implementation Method 1
during the determining step the first and second markings are measured in reflection
Implementation Method 2
the other one of the first or second markings are measured in transmission trough the optical lens according at least to optical data representing the refractive properties of the optical lens
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Method of manufacturing an optical lens, the method comprising: • a lens member providing step (S1) during which a lens member comprising a first surface and a first reference system identified by first markings on the first surface is provided, • a surface data providing step (S2) during which surface data corresponding to a second surface and the position of the second surface relative to the first surface of the optical lens are provided, • a blocking and machining step during which the lens member is blocked and the second surface is machined, • a second markings providing step during which second markings identifying a second reference system of the second surface are provided, • a comparison step during which the relative positions of the first and second surfaces are compared.