Prismatic Retaining Device for Spectacle Lens Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing production processes for spectacle lenses require conventional blocking aids, which complicate the setting of a defined prismatic tilt and involve auxiliary processes that do not increase the value of the produced lenses, seeking a method to simplify prismatic tilting and eliminate the need for these aids in an automated production environment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a lower and upper part, featuring wedge sections that rotate relative to each other about a common axis, allowing for adjustable prismatic retention, utilizing a wedge orientation arrangement with an orientation aid and abutment to set and maintain the desired tilt, and employing a flexible retaining ring and vacuum chambers for secure holding without conventional blocking materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blocking aids are used for retaining spectacle lenses, then the workpiece can be securely held for processing, but the device complexity and process steps increase due to additional blocking materials and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the blocking aid from the system entirely by using a retaining device that directly holds the spectacle lens through vacuum suction. The lens is secured by placing it on the retaining section where vacuum is applied through holes in the base, eliminating the need for blocking materials and simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical blocking aid system with a vacuum-based retention system. Instead of using blocking materials and mechanical clamping, the invention uses vacuum pressure applied through holes in the base to secure the lens to the retaining section, substituting mechanical retention with pneumatic retention.
2Reliability
If conventional blocking aids are used for setting prismatic tilt, then the workpiece can be retained, but the manufacturing process time increases due to additional blocking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the prismatic tilt setting function directly into the retaining device structure. The lower part can be rotated relative to the upper part about a vertical axis, allowing the desired prismatic tilt to be pre-set before the lens is even placed on the device. This eliminates the need for time-consuming blocking procedures to establish the tilt angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrating retaining device: workpiece retention, prismatic tilt setting, and positioning. The rotating lower part mechanism integrates the tilt adjustment function directly into the retention system, eliminating the need for separate blocking procedures and reducing overall process time.
3Reliability
If conventional blocking materials are used, then the workpiece can be fixed for processing, but material waste and ecological sustainability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates blocking materials from the process by using vacuum retention. The lens is held securely through vacuum pressure applied through holes in the base, with no consumable materials required. This removes the source of material waste and improves ecological sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system uses the atmosphere itself as the working medium. By creating a pressure difference between the vacuum chamber and the ambient atmosphere, the system utilizes environmental pressure to secure the lens without requiring any additional blocking materials or consumables.
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
Enables simplified and precise setting of prismatic tilt for spectacle lenses, reducing the need for conventional blocking aids and improving the efficiency and ecological sustainability of the production process by allowing for automated, blockless processing.
Implementation Method 1
Evacuating the inner vacuum chamber and the outer vacuum chamber together in order at the same time to secure the upper part and lower part of the retaining device to one another in the relative rotational setting
Implementation Method 2
a lower wedge section adjoining the base along the base axis and extending transversely to the base axis, and an upper wedge section adjoining the retaining section along the retention axis
Data Source
AI summary
A device (10) for retaining a prismatic spectacle lens (12) at one workpiece surface (14) for processing of the other workpiece surface (16) comprises lower and upper parts (20, 22). The lower part has a base (24) with a holding interface (26) and a wedge section (28). The lower part and upper part are rotatable relative to one another by their mutually facing wedge sections about a rotational axis (DA) inclined with respect to the base axis and retention axis so as to tilt the retaining section and base relative to one another. A wedge orientation arrangement comprises an orientation aid (34) at the upper part and/or an abutment (36) between the upper part and lower part, which defines a relative rotational angle end position of the upper part and lower part corresponding with a minimum or maximum tilt of the retaining section with respect to the base.