Optical Lens Machining With Dynamic Workpiece Reassignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical workpiece processing systems face challenges in efficiently managing dynamic production changes and optimizing resource utilization due to complex reprogramming requirements and inflexible processing lines.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows for adaptive assignment and reassignment of workpieces based on real-time parameters, enabling efficient processing by independently operating processing devices and a flexible transport system that supports rapid self-correction and optimal resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If workpieces are assigned to processing lines based on initial parameters, then processing can begin, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic production changes without complex reprogramming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to production changesVSAvoidreprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically reassigns workpieces to processing lines based on real-time status changes. When a processing line becomes available or a workpiece is ready for the next operation, the control system automatically updates assignments without requiring complex reprogramming, enabling the system to adapt to production changes dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting when processing lines become available and reassigning workpieces accordingly. The control system monitors the status of processing lines and workpieces, and autonomously adjusts assignments to optimize resource utilization without external intervention or complex programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If processing lines operate independently with fixed assignments, then system control is simplified, but resource utilization decreases under dynamic conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidsystem control simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the status of processing lines and workpieces, and uses this feedback to dynamically reassign workpieces. When a processing line becomes available or a workpiece completes an operation, the system detects this change and automatically redistributes work to optimize resource utilization while maintaining simple centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static assignments to dynamic reassignment based on real-time conditions. The control system automatically adjusts workpiece assignments when processing lines become available, enabling flexible resource utilization while keeping the control mechanism simple through automated status monitoring and reassignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the system checks assignment frequently for optimization, then resource utilization improves, but processing time increases due to repeated checks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs assignment checks at periodic intervals or at specific trigger points in the processing workflow, rather than continuously. This approach allows the system to optimize resource utilization by reassigning workpieces when processing lines become available, while minimizing time loss by limiting checks to necessary moments in the production cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4610036A1Method, installation and system for machining optical lenses
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SCHNEIDER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4610036A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4610036A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4610036A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, a system and a system for processing optical workpieces are proposed. The workpieces are conveyed to individual processing facilities or processing lines according to an assignment. The respective assignment preferably takes into account assignment parameters such as the availability and capability of the processing facilities or processing lines. The assignment that has already been made is checked before the actual or final conveyance and/or when the assignment parameters change and, if appropriate, is changed taking the current assignment parameters into account in order to adapt to current circumstances. Alternatively or additionally, orders for workpiece processing are transmitted to the processing facilities at different locations depending on the corresponding assignment parameters. If required, the assignment is checked and, if necessary, changed when new orders are entered.significant changes to the assignment parameters. This enables particularly efficient processing.