Ophthalmic Lens Preparation with Automated Transfer and Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for mounting ophthalmic lenses in eyeglasses frames are inefficient due to inaccuracies and complexities in the use of adhesively bonded centering pads, which lead to errors in positioning, require skilled personnel, and result in increased production costs and risk of lens damage.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for automatically preparing ophthalmic lenses, involving separate transfer means for measurement, intermediate, and cutting positions, with a distinct third transfer unit for accurate and versatile handling, allowing for parallel processing and maintaining cleanliness and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If adhesively bonded centering pads are used for lens positioning, then the lens can be centered and blocked for cutting operations, but positioning errors occur and require skilled personnel leading to increased production costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens positioning accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of centering and blocking operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the adhesive centering pad from the system entirely. Instead of using a pad that requires manual application and removal, the invention uses a mechanical blocking system where the lens is directly blocked by blocking means (such as blocking pins or clamps) that can be automatically positioned and adjusted, eliminating the need for adhesive bonding and manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of applying and removing adhesive pads with an automated mechanical blocking system. The blocking means are mechanically actuated and positioned by computer-controlled mechanisms, substituting manual adhesive application with automated mechanical positioning that is more precise and repeatable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual centering and blocking operations are performed, then lens positioning can be adjusted, but the risk of lens damage increases and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual adjustment capabilityVSAvoidrisk of lens damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lens itself provides the reference information needed for positioning through its optical characteristics. The measurement means detect features inherent to the lens (such as optical centers or marked points) and automatically calculate the blocking positions, allowing the lens to 'guide' its own positioning without manual intervention or external adhesive pads that could damage it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement and calculation of blocking positions are performed in advance before the actual blocking operation. The computer calculates the precise positions where blocking means should be applied based on pre-measured lens characteristics, allowing the lens to be positioned accurately without manual adjustment that could cause damage during the cutting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If separate transfer means are used for measurement and cutting positions, then accuracy is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens cutting accuracyVSAvoidnumber of transfer means

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking means serve multiple functions: they position the lens for cutting operations, holds the lens securely during the cutting process, and can be repositioned for subsequent operations such as drilling or coating. This multi-functional blocking system eliminates the need for separate transfer mechanisms between different processing stations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The computer acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the measurement data and the blocking operation. Instead of requiring physical transfer mechanisms between measurement and cutting stations, the computer processes measurement information and automatically positions the blocking means accordingly, mediating the connection between measurement and cutting functions through information rather than physical transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7846009B2Method and a device for automatically preparing an ophthalmic lens for mounting

Publication Date: 2010.12.07 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)

AI summary

The method includes: automatic measurement of the marking characteristics of the lens in a measurement position in order to produce a marking reference of the ophthalmic lens; transfer of the lens in a second transfer movement from the measurement position to an intermediate position which is distinct from the measurement position; transfer of the lens in a third transfer movement from the intermediate position to a trimming position which is distinct from the intermediate position; locking of the ophthalmic lens on trimming elements (6); trimming the lens. The third transfer is carried out by third transfer elements that make up a sub-unit which is distinct and independent from other units or includes elements carrying out the second transfer, and trimming elements, wherein full blocking of the lens on the trimming elements is only completed after the third transfer.