RFID Blocking Accessory for Lens Centering and Trimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting ophthalmic lenses on frames are time-consuming and prone to errors, particularly in identifying and processing the correct lenses, due to the reliance on manual barcode reading and printed identification cards, which can lead to confusion between right and left lenses and the selection of inappropriate blocking accessories.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a radio-frequency identification (RFID) element attached to the blocking accessory to automate the identification and verification of lenses, ensuring correct alignment and processing by reading the identification code during both centering and trimming steps, thereby reducing operator errors and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual barcode reading and printed identification cards are used for lens identification, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases and manufacturing precision deteriorates due to time-consuming manual operations and error-prone identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of barcode reading and card handling with an automated optical recognition system. The recognition device automatically captures and processes lens identification marks, eliminating the need for manual barcode scanning and card reading operations, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining acceptable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying of identification marks directly on the lens instead of requiring separate barcode cards or labels. The recognition device reads the mark embedded or printed on the lens itself, eliminating the need for separate identification carriers and reducing operational steps
2Reliability
If manual barcode reading and printed identification cards are used for lens identification, then the device complexity is reduced, but errors occur in identifying the correct lenses, leading to wrong lens processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces error-prone manual identification operations with an automated optical recognition system that objectively reads and verifies lens marks, eliminating human errors in lens identification and selection while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The recognition device provides automated feedback on lens identification, allowing the system to verify that the correct lens is being processed before proceeding with trimming operations, thereby improving reliability through automated verification
3Loss of time
If manual operations are used for lens centering and trimming, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to manual handling and verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary automated recognition of lens marks before trimming operations begin. The system captures and processes identification information in advance, allowing subsequent trimming operations to proceed without time-consuming manual verification steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual operations of centering and trimming with automated machine operations controlled by computer software, dramatically reducing the time required for lens preparation while managing system complexity through integrated automation
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 use of RFID elements simplifies lens identification and verification, reducing manual errors and automating the processing, ensuring accurate alignment and trimming of lenses, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of mistakes in lens preparation for mounting.
Implementation Method 1
a radio-frequency identification element (220) integrated into said blocking accessory (200, 201, 203, 204)
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves acquiring an optical reference frame of a lens (100) by a turntable (2) and fixing a locking accessory (201) in the frame during centering of the lens. The lens is trimmed according to a contour in the frame and mounting parameters. The accessory has a radio frequency identification element (220) carrying an identification code. The code is read according to a reading during the centering of the lens for associating the parameters into a memory. The code is read according to another reading during trimming of the lens for recovering the parameters associated to the code.