Centrifugal Refuse Disposal Apparatus for Eyeglass Lens Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing processing refuse disposal apparatuses with centrifugal separators face challenges in easy removal of processing refuse from the dewatering drum, leading to reduced filtering capability, abnormal vibrations, and operator exposure to contamination.

Innovation Solution

A processing refuse disposal apparatus featuring a dewatering drum with a protuberance for increased stability, a removable processing refuse container with a gap for easy lifting, and a removal jig to prevent operator contact with refuse, ensuring efficient separation and reduced noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a plastic bag is placed in the dewatering drum to collect processing refuse, then the removal of processing refuse is facilitated, but the plastic bag wrinkles easily causing abnormal vibrations and increased noise during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval of processing refuseVSAvoiduniformity of refuse buildup
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable plastic bag as a temporary container for processing refuse. The bag is placed inside the dewatering drum, collects refuse during operation, and is then removed and discarded when full. This disposable approach simplifies the removal process while avoiding the need for complex cleaning mechanisms, directly addressing the ease of operation requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If the operator removes processing refuse directly from the dewatering drum, then the filtering capability is restored, but the operator's hand gets dirty by the processing refuse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering capability restorationVSAvoidoperator contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plastic bag serves as an intermediary container between the processing refuse and the operator. The operator handles only the bag, not the refuse directly, thereby maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination while still enabling efficient removal of processing refuse to restore filtering capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If processing refuse is accumulated in the dewatering drum for an extended period, then operational continuity is maintained, but the filtering capability of the centrifugal separator is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidfiltering capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service refuse collection through the plastic bag mechanism. The bag automatically collects processing refuse during normal operation without requiring manual intervention until the bag is full. This allows the centrifugal separator to maintain operational continuity while the bag progressively accumulates refuse, and the bag can be removed and replaced without disrupting the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates easy removal of processing refuse, reduces operator exposure to contamination, and minimizes abnormal vibrations during drum rotation, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a centrifugal separator in which processing refuse is separated from grinding water by rotating a dewatering drum into which grinding water is introduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentEP2172303B1Eyeglass lens processing refuse disposal apparatus
Publication Date: 2012.05.16 NIDEK CO LTD
  • EP2172303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2172303B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2172303B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A processing refuse disposal apparatus for processing an eyeglass lens, the apparatus comprising: a centrifugal separator (650) including a dewatering drum (652) to which grinding water containing processing refuse is led from an eyeglass lens processing apparatus (1), a driving motor (653) for rotating the dewatering drum (652), and a filter (654); a tank (630) for accumulating the grinding water passing through the filter; and a processing refuse container (700, 800, 900) which is formed of resin and has a shape resembling a shape of side and bottom surfaces (652b, 652c) of an interior of the dewatering drum, the processing refuse container being placed in the interior of the dewatering drum. The side wall portion of the processing refuse container has a strength good enough to maintain the shape thereof when the dewatering drum in which the processing refuse container is placed is rotated.