Polishing Machine Parameter Ranges for Ophthalmic Lens Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for polishing optical surfaces of ophthalmic lenses require multiple types of polishing tools and varying parameters, leading to inconsistent polishing times and potential suboptimal results, affecting the optical function and wearer's vision.

Innovation Solution

A method that configures the polishing machine with specific parameters such as angle of inclination, cusp points, speed, and bearing force within defined ranges, allowing for a single type of polishing tool to effectively polish a wide range of lenses, ensuring adequate polishing without impairing vision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple types of polishing tools and varying parameters are used to process different lenses, then the polishing quality and optical function are improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing qualityVSAvoidnumber of polishing tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single polishing tool with adjustable parameters (speed of rotation, bearing force, angle of inclination, cusp points) that can effectively process multiple types of ophthalmic lenses. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining high polishing quality across different lens specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by establishing specific ranges for polishing parameters (rotation speed: 500-3000 rpm, bearing force: 50-180 N, angle of inclination: 2°-20°, cusp points: inner -10 to 10 mm, outer R-15 to R-5 mm) that can be adjusted to optimize polishing for different lens types. This allows a single tool to adapt to various lens requirements through parameter optimization rather than requiring multiple fixed-tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If operator-dependent parameter selection is used, then flexibility in processing different lenses is improved, but polishing time and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in processingVSAvoidpolishing time consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by establishing evidence-based parameter ranges derived from extensive experimentation and analysis of different lens types. The specified parameter ranges (rotation speed, bearing force, angle, cusp points) represent optimized values that provide consistent, reliable polishing results across various lenses, reducing operator dependency and variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by defining specific operational ranges for polishing parameters that balance adaptability with consistency. These ranges allow operators to adjust settings for different lens types while maintaining predictable polishing times and quality outcomes, eliminating the unpredictability of purely operator-dependent selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If polishing parameters are optimized for specific lens types, then polishing quality is improved, but the loss of time for other lens types increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolishing qualityVSAvoidpolishing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing comprehensive parameter ranges that accommodate multiple lens types within unified boundaries. The specified ranges (rotation speed: 500-3000 rpm, bearing force: 50-180 N, angle: 2°-20°, cusp points: inner -10 to 10 mm, outer R-15 to R-5 mm) enable effective polishing of at least 80% of ophthalmic lenses without requiring time-consuming parameter re-optimization for each lens type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2822731B1Method for polishing an optical surface by means of a polishing tool
Publication Date: 2015.12.23 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP2822731B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

Polishing method comprising a step of receiving a surface to be polished, a configuration step during which the polishing machine is configured, and a polishing step during which the optical surface is polished, wherein the angle of inclination of the pin is between 2° and 20°, the inner cusp point is between -10 mm and 10 mm, the outer cusp point is between R-15mm and R-5mm, the speed of advance is between 100 mm/min and 2000 mm/min; the speed of rotation is between 500 rpm and 3000 rpm; and the bearing force is between 50 N and 180 N.