Spring-Loaded Lens Wheel for Automated Ophthalmic Substrate Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for coating ophthalmic substrates lack automation in conveyance to coating machines, requiring manual handling and limiting operator control over the process.
Innovation Solution
A robot-enabled end effector assembly with a spring-loaded lens wheel and human-machine interface that automates the gripping, manipulation, loading, and unloading of round objects, using retention pegs that articulate radially to securely grasp and release cylindrical or disc-shaped objects, and a robotic subassembly for controlled transfer to a coating machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual handling is used for substrate conveyance, then operator control is maintained, but automation level and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic end effector assembly that uses spring-loaded retention pegs to grip and convey substrates. The robotic system substitutes human-operated mechanical conveyance with automated actuation mechanisms, achieving full automation while maintaining precise control through the spring-loaded retention mechanism that reliably holds substrates during transfer.
2Productivity
If manual handling is used for substrate conveyance, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic spring-loaded retention pegs that automatically adjust to substrate presence and maintain gripping force. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to handle substrates reliably without requiring complex control systems for each gripping action, thereby increasing productivity while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through the inherent mechanical intelligence of the spring mechanism.
3Reliability
If spring-loaded retention pegs are used, then gripping reliability is improved, but retention peg articulation freedom is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retention mechanism into multiple independent spring-loaded retention pegs distributed around the lens wheel periphery. Each peg operates independently with its own spring mechanism, providing reliable gripping through distributed contact points. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high gripping reliability while accommodating substrates of varying sizes and shapes through the collective action of multiple articulated pegs.
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
Enhances productivity by automating the handling of ophthalmic substrates, reducing manual labor, and providing precise control over the coating process, enabling efficient grasping, loading, transfer, and unloading of round objects during physical vapor deposition.
Implementation Method 1
The retention pegs utilize springs that selectively generate tension on the retention pegs, causing the retention pegs to articulate radially inward or outward
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector assembly and method for robot-enabled manipulation of round objects automates the gripping, rotationally manipulating, loading, and unloading of round objects, like an ophthalmic substrate, to a coating machine subassembly. A lens wheel carries spring-loaded retention pegs that grip and release the round object. Springs selectively generate tension on the retention pegs, causing retention pegs to articulate radially inward or outward, so as to press the round object to the lens wheel, or release the object. A retention peg actuator selectively engages the springs to generate tension and release tension from springs. A processor regulates articulation of the retention peg actuator. A sensor detects the position of the object, whereby at least one position of the round object triggers the sensor to transmit a signal commanding the retention peg actuator to articulate. A human-machine interface transmits command signals and displays positions of the lens wheel and retention pegs.