Optical Lens Edge Coating With Removable Surface Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coating the edge of optical lenses are laborious, operator-dependent, and often result in incomplete removal of excess coating material from optical surfaces, leading to compromised aesthetics and mechanical strength.
Innovation Solution
The use of a temporary protective material with a lower bonding force than the edge coating, applied on the optical surfaces before edge coating, allows easy removal of excess coating material without affecting the edge coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional coating methods (spin coating, dip coating, spray coating) are used, then the lens body surface can be coated, but the edge surface cannot be effectively coated due to accessibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coating process into two separate stages: first coating the lens body surface with a first coating layer, then coating the edge surface with a second coating layer. This segmentation allows each surface to be coated independently with appropriate methods, solving the accessibility problem for the edge surface while maintaining coating uniformity on both surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by using a rotating fixture that rotates the lens during coating application. This rotational motion enables the coating head to access the edge surface from the side, overcoming the geometric accessibility limitation of conventional coating methods that only work on flat, stationary surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-layer coating is applied, then the process is simple, but it cannot provide both hydrophobicity and antiglare properties simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different coating materials with different functions to different locations on the lens: the lens body surface receives a coating optimized for hydrophobicity and scratch resistance, while the edge surface receives a coating optimized for antiglare properties. This local differentiation allows each surface to have optimized performance for its specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional coating system where the first coating layer provides hydrophobic and scratch-resistant properties, while the second coating layer provides antiglare properties. Together, these layers give the lens multiple functions that would be difficult to achieve with a single coating material, making the coating system universally applicable to lenses requiring both water repellency and glare reduction.
3Ease of operation
If the lens is rotated during coating, then edge surface accessibility is improved, but centrifugal force causes coating material to fly off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent counteracts the centrifugal force that causes coating material to fly off by applying a downward force through the coating head or by using a coating material with higher viscosity. This counterbalancing approach allows the lens to rotate for edge surface accessibility while preventing coating material loss, resolving the contradiction between rotational accessibility and material retention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method ensures consistent and complete edge coating coverage while maintaining the integrity of the optical surfaces, reducing operator dependency and improving mechanical performance.
Implementation Method 1
When the optical lens is rotated during the coating process, a centrifugal force is generated in a radial direction of the optical lens, so that a part of the optical coating material is flown off from the optical lens
Implementation Method 2
provides a technique for coating an edge surface of an optical lens with an optical coating material
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of coating an edge surface (226, 224) of an optical lens (200) is provided. The method includes providing (401) an optical lens (200) comprising a first optical surface (220) and an opposing second optical surface (222), wherein the first and the second optical surfaces (220, 222) are connected by an edge surface (226, 224), disposing (402) at least one temporary protective material on at least a portion of a perimeter portion of one or both of the first and the second optical surfaces (220, 222) abutting the edge surface (226, 224), disposing (404) at least one coating material on the edge surface (226, 224) of the optical lens (200) to obtain at least one edge coating (202), and removing (4051, 4052, 4053) any excess coating material (204, 206) disposed on the at least one temporary protective material. An optical lens (200) having at least one temporary protective material disposed on only at least a portion of a perimeter portion of one or both of the first and the second optical surfaces (220, 222) abutting the edge surface (226, 224) is also provided.