Ophthalmic Lens Mechanical Fiducials for Precise Stack Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser marks on ophthalmic lenses are not accurate enough for precise alignment during assembly due to positioning tolerances of the vision system, leading to inefficiencies in machine stacking processes.

Innovation Solution

Forming mechanical fiducials on ophthalmic lenses during edging to ensure precise alignment, using identical fiducials at matching locations on both lenses for accurate stacking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If laser marks are formed on ophthalmic lenses for alignment, then machine stacking can be enabled, but the positioning precision is insufficient due to vision system tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidstacking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical alignment methods (laser marks) with mechanical alignment features (fiducials). The fiducials are physical mechanical features formed on the lens edges that provide deterministic alignment references, eliminating the precision limitations of optical laser marking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fiducials are formed on the lenses during the edging process, which is a preliminary action performed before the lenses are assembled. This ensures that the alignment features are already in place and ready to guide the stacking process, eliminating the need for post-assembly alignment adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If hand attachment is used to attach lenses to waveguide, then flexibility is maintained, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical fiducials enable the lenses to self-align during the stacking process. The fiducials on the push lens and pull lens automatically guide their positioning relative to the waveguide and each other, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260050179A1Physical alignment holes or notches in ophthalmic lenses for use in lensstack precision alignment during assembly

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 APPLIED MATERIALS INC

AI summary

An ophthalmic lens assembly includes a first ophthalmic lens and a second ophthalmic lens. The first ophthalmic lens comprises one or more first mechanical fiducials. The one or more first mechanical fiducials comprise a first mechanical fiducial formed at a first location on the first ophthalmic lens. The second ophthalmic lens comprises one or more second mechanical fiducials. The one or more second mechanical fiducials comprise a second mechanical fiducial formed at a second location on the second ophthalmic lens. The first mechanical fiducial and the second mechanical fiducial are aligned with one another.