Ophthalmic Lens Processing Conveyor with Single-Track Pushing Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installations for processing ophthalmic lenses face challenges in flexibly linking separate processing devices with complex and costly structures, limiting adaptability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A conveying device with a continuous first transport track and separate processing devices, each with its own manipulation device, allows for flexible linking of processing devices using a single, centrally controlled conveyor belt system with transverse pushing devices for track changes, enabling efficient and cost-effective operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex transfer system with multiple transport tracks and lifting devices is used to link processing devices, then the flexibility and adaptability of the installation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of linking processing devicesVSAvoidstructure complexity of transfer system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation is divided into independent processing devices that can be separately controlled and positioned. Each processing device has its own manipulation device, allowing independent operation and flexible arrangement along the single continuous transport track without requiring complex integrated transfer mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single continuous conveyor belt serves as a universal transport track that can handle all lens carriers throughout the installation. This single track replaces multiple specialized transport tracks, providing universal functionality for transporting lens carriers between all processing devices while reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If each processing device has its own conveyor belt and control system, then the ease of operation and local control is improved, but the overall device complexity and coordination requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal control capability of processing devicesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each processing device is equipped with its own manipulation device that can independently pick up and place lens carriers from the common transport track. This segmentation allows local control at each station while using a simplified shared transport infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple individual conveyor belts are merged into a single continuous conveyor belt that serves all processing devices. This combining reduces the number of separate control systems needed while maintaining the ability for each device to independently interact with the unified transport track.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12370644B2Installation and method for processing ophthalmic lenses

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 SCHNEIDER GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

One exemplary embodiment relates to an installation and a method for processing ophthalmic lenses, with several processing devices for processing the lenses. The embodiment includes a conveying device connecting the processing devices for transporting lens carriers to and from the processing devices, and with a transfer device for changing transport tracks as required. According to the embodiment, it is provided that the processing devices are arranged in front of the first transport track and that the transfer device is designed as a pushing device with a fork-shaped guide device which guides the lens carriers laterally and in the direction of conveyance.