Ophthalmic Lens Surfacing for Integrated Optical and Transmission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing ophthalmic lenses separate the steps for conferring optical and transmission properties, making it complex and inefficient to achieve both prescribed optical functions and customized transmission parameters in a single, economical process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving surfacing or machining of ophthalmic articles using a digital surfacing machine to create both optical and transmission parameters on a single blank, where one body is made by casting or injection and the other is integrated or laminated/coated, allowing for precise machining of both simple and complex surfaces to achieve customized optical functions and transmission properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate steps are used for conferring optical properties and transmission properties, then each property can be independently controlled, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conferring of optical properties and transmission properties into a single integrated manufacturing step. By using a unified process that simultaneously applies both types of properties to the ophthalmic lens, the method eliminates the need for separate independent steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise control over both optical and transmission characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing method is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it confers both optical properties (for vision correction) and transmission properties (for light filtering) in one operation. This multi-functional approach allows a single manufacturing step to achieve what previously required multiple separate processes, improving efficiency without sacrificing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate steps are used for optical and transmission properties, then each property can be independently optimized, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optimization of optical and transmission properties into a single manufacturing operation. By integrating these previously separate optimization steps, the method achieves both precise property control and improved production efficiency, as the lens receives both types of properties simultaneously rather than through sequential processes that would extend production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing method enables continuous useful action by performing both optical and transmission property conferring in an uninterrupted single step. This eliminates idle time between separate operations and ensures that the lens is continuously being processed toward its final specifications, thereby enhancing productivity while maintaining optimization precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing methods are used, then standard processes can be applied, but customization for individual wearer needs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different transmission properties to be assigned to different regions or aspects of the same lens while maintaining a unified manufacturing process. This allows customization for individual wearer needs (such as different transmission levels for different areas or conditions) without requiring completely separate manufacturing procedures, thus bridging standardization and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The method facilitates parameter changes by allowing transmission properties to be adjusted and customized within the standard manufacturing framework. By modifying parameters such as transmission level, polarization characteristics, or photochromic response during the integrated process, the system can adapt to individual wearer requirements while still using standardized manufacturing equipment and procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for manufacturing an ophthalmic article having at least one optical function and at least one predetermined transmission parameter, comprising the steps (102) of surfacing at least a first face of a first body of said article, made from a first material, according to a first geometry determined for providing said predetermined transmission parameters; and surfacing (103) at least a second face of a second body of said article, made from a second material, according to a second geometry determined at least according to said first geometry, for providing said optical.