Optical Surfacing Tool with Elastic Collar for Curvature Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical surfacing tools are complex, costly, and require multiple models to accommodate varying curvatures, leading to inefficiencies in productivity and surface quality.
Innovation Solution
A surfacing tool with a flexible collar and elastically compressible interface that can deform to match a wide range of curvatures without the need for elastic return means, allowing for uniform pressure application and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional surfacing tools are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the adaptability to different curvatures is poor and multiple tool models are required
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its shape to match different curvatures of optical surfaces. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for multiple rigid tool models while maintaining a single simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool utilizes elastic deformation of the collar to change its geometric parameters (curvature radius) in response to applied pressure. This parameter change enables the same tool to accommodate various surface curvatures without structural modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tool models are used to accommodate varying curvatures, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single tool model with an elastically deformable collar serves multiple functions by adapting to different curvature requirements. This universal design eliminates the need to manufacture and store multiple specialized tool models, simplifying production and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar's elastic properties allow it to change its curvature radius parameter to match different optical surfaces. This parameter adaptability within a single tool model replaces the need for multiple fixed models, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If elastic return means are added to the tool, then the reliability of curvature matching is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar's elastic deformation provides automatic return to its original shape after pressing against the optical surface. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate elastic return means, maintaining reliability while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the collar enable automatic parameter recovery (return to original curvature radius) after deformation during surfacing. This inherent parameter recovery mechanism ensures reliable curvature matching without additional complex components.
4Manufacturing precision
If the tool is designed for uniform pressure application, then the surface quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible collar acts as a compliant element that distributes applied force uniformly across the interface with the optical surface. This flexible structure achieves uniform pressure application and improved surface quality without requiring complex rigid mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation of the collar automatically adjusts the contact pressure distribution to achieve uniform loading on the optical surface. This parameter adaptation through elastic behavior simplifies the structure while improving surface quality.
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
The tool achieves efficient surfacing across diverse curvatures with improved productivity and surface quality, eliminating the need for multiple tool models and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the elastically compressible interface allows the difference in curvature between the end surface of the holder of the tool and the optical surface to be compensated for
Implementation Method 2
said collar is configured so that the tool is elastically deformable between a rest position that it takes in the absence of stress and a reference position
Data Source
AI summary
The tool includes a base including a rigid carrier and a flexible collar encircling the rigid carrier; an elastically compressible interface; and a flexible buffer including a central portion that is located in line with the rigid carrier and a peripheral portion that is located transversely therebeyond. This peripheral portion is connected to the carrier exclusively via the interface and via the collar, wherein the collar is configured so that the tool is elastically deformable between a rest position that it adopts in the absence of stress and a reference position in which the transverse end second surface of the flexible buffer is pressed against a reference surface that is spherical and of radius included between 40 mm and 1500 mm.