One-Sided Dyeing of Eyeglass Lenses Using Floating Lens Holder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for dyeing spectacle lenses, such as dip-dyeing and sublimation dyeing, face challenges in achieving one-sided dyeing, with dip-dyeing systems dyeing both surfaces simultaneously and sublimation dyeing requiring complex apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a lens holder with a sealed space that utilizes thermal expansion to maintain the spectacle lens in a floating state, allowing only one surface to be dyed by controlling the adhesion and air pressure within the sealed space, and a lens holder design with a tapered inner surface and stopper portion to prevent unwanted dyeing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dip-dyeing system is used to dye spectacle lens, then both surfaces are simultaneously dyed, but one surface dyeing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The lens holder divides the lens treatment into two separate surfaces by using a partition structure. The first optical surface is exposed to the treatment liquid while the second optical surface is protected by the partition, enabling independent dyeing of each surface. This segmentation allows selective dyeing of only the desired surface without affecting the other surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structure extracts and isolates the second optical surface from the treatment liquid environment. By creating a physical barrier that separates the two surfaces, the treatment liquid can only contact the first optical surface,从而实现单面染色。
2Adaptability or versatility
If sublimation dyeing system is used to achieve one surface dyeing, then one surface dyeing is realized, but many exclusive apparatuses are required complicating the step
Solution Approach 1:
The lens holder is designed as a universal fixture that can be used with conventional dip-dyeing equipment to achieve one surface dyeing. The partition structure allows the same lens holder to dye either the first or second optical surface by simply changing the orientation, eliminating the need for separate apparatuses for different dyeing configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition acts as an intermediary element that enables one surface dyeing using conventional dip-dyeing equipment. Instead of requiring complex sublimation apparatus, the simple partition structure mediates between the conventional dyeing system and the requirement for selective surface treatment.
3Reliability
If lens holder adhesion to spectacle lens is increased, then lens holding stability is improved, but lens removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lens holder uses an elastic material that dynamically adjusts its adhesion force. During dyeing, the elastic material expands to increase contact area and adhesion, providing stable holding. After dyeing, the elastic material contracts, reducing adhesion and facilitating easy lens removal. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between holding stability and removal ease.
4Manufacturing precision
If spectacle lens is held vertically during dip-dyeing, then dyeing uniformity is improved, but lens holder adhesion to lens decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens holder is made of elastic material that combines the benefits of both vertical and horizontal holding configurations. The elastic material maintains adequate adhesion while allowing the lens to be held vertically for uniform dyeing. The material's elasticity compensates for the reduced adhesion force in vertical orientation.
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
Enables simple and effective one-sided dyeing of spectacle lenses, preventing dyeing of the non-target surface and maintaining the lens in a stable floating position to avoid uneven dyeing and facilitate easy removal.
Implementation Method 1
increasing an adhesion of a contact portion between the lens holder and the spectacle lens by utilizing a thermal expansion of air in the sealed space
Implementation Method 2
the spectacle lens is set in a floating state on a liquid face of the treatment liquid by utilizing a floating power of the air in the sealed space
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
When a dyeing treatment is applied to a spectacle lens 1 in a state that the lens is dipped in a dyeing liquid 21, an optical surface 3 of the spectacle lens 1 is held in a state of facing a sealed space 19 by mounting the spectacle lens 1 on a cup-type lens holding member 10, and the dyeing treatment is applied to the spectacle lens 1 in a state that one optical surface 2 is dipped in the dyeing liquid 21 and in a state that the other optical surface 3 is not dipped in the dyeing liquid 21, in two optical surfaces 2 and 3 of the spectacle lens 1.