Optical Lens Positioning on Blocking Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurate positioning of optical lenses on blocking rings is crucial to prevent optical errors, especially when manufacturing complex progressive ophthalmic lenses with two aspherical surfaces, as existing methods lack precision in controlling the prism and position of the lens on the blocking ring.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a reference system with a main axis and plane, providing blocking ring and optical lens surface data, and determining position parameters to accurately position the lens on the blocking ring by iterative repositioning and altitude determination, ensuring the lens is securely positioned to minimize optical errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the semi-finished lens is blocked on a blocking ring using conventional methods, then the lens can be secured for manufacturing, but the positioning precision is insufficient to control prism and ensure accurate position of complex progressive lenses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmethod complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual/mechanical positioning methods with a computerized method that uses surface data, blocking ring data, and iterative calculations to determine the blocking position. The computer means processes geometric data and performs altitude determinations to achieve precise positioning without relying on operator skill or complex mechanical fixtures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual model of the blocking process by obtaining surface data of the placed surface and blocking ring data, then performing virtual altitude determinations to calculate the blocking position. This digital copy allows precise determination of position parameters before actual blocking occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If the lens is blocked using simple blocking rings, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient for controlling prism and complex surface relationships

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking position accuracyVSAvoidblocking process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a computerized calculation system that uses surface data and blocking ring data to determine the blocking position. The computer means performs iterative altitude determinations to achieve high positioning accuracy while keeping the physical blocking ring relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional blocking methods are used for progressive lenses, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but optical errors occur due to inaccurate positioning of the first surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical qualityVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital representation of the blocking process by obtaining surface data of the first surface and blocking ring data, then performing virtual altitude determinations to calculate the blocking position. This digital model allows precise determination of position parameters that ensure optical quality without requiring complex physical positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual positioning methods with a computerized system that uses surface data, blocking ring data, and iterative altitude determination calculations to determine the blocking position. This substitution ensures consistent, accurate positioning that prevents optical errors while maintaining process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2938457B1A method of determining the blocking position of an optical lens
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP2938457B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP2938457B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2938457B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method of determining the blocking position of an optical lens Method for determining a position of an optical lens member placed on a lens blocking ring (22), the method comprising: - a reference system providing step (S1), - a blocking ring data providing step (S2), - an optical lens member surface data providing step (S3), - a position parameters providing step (S4) during which position parameters defining a position of a reference point of the surface of the lens member with respect to the main plane of the reference system and an orientation, about the main axis of said placed surface at said reference point, - an initial position determining step (S5) during which the position of the placed surface is determined according to the position parameters, - a repositioning step (S6) during which the placed surface is virtually translated and rotated, - an altitude determination step (S7) during which a difference in position between the blocking ring and the placed surface is determined, the repositioning and altitude determining steps (S6, S7) are repeated so as to minimizing the difference in position between the blocking ring and the placed surface.