Rotating Fluid-Jet Lens Deblocking for High Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens deblocking processes are inefficient, cumbersome, and lack high throughput, often requiring complex machinery and multiple steps to detach lenses from block pieces and remove protective films.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus using fluid jets and rotating mechanisms to simultaneously detach lenses and protective films from block pieces, employing multiple nozzle devices and grippers for efficient and economical deblocking with high throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional deblocking processes are used with multiple separate steps for detaching lenses and removing protective films, then the deblocking can be completed, but the process becomes cumbersome and throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple deblocking operations into a single integrated process. The fluid jet system simultaneously performs lens detachment from the block piece and removal of the protective film in one working space, eliminating the need for separate cleaning devices and multiple process steps, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid jet system is designed to perform multiple functions: it detaches the lens from the block piece, removes block material residues, and strips the protective film all through the same nozzle device and working space. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of dedicated devices needed while maintaining high productivity
2Productivity
If a strip-like conveying device with multiple cleaning devices is used for deblocking, then the lens can be cleaned and deblocked, but the facility becomes relatively large and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cleaning and deblocking functions are merged into a single compact working space. The fluid jet system integrates lens detachment, block material removal, and protective film stripping in one location, eliminating the need for a long strip-like conveying system with multiple separate cleaning devices, thus reducing facility size while increasing throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid jet system performs all deblocking and cleaning actions continuously in a single pass without requiring the lens to be conveyed through multiple separate stations. The rotational mechanism allows continuous exposure of all lens surfaces to the fluid jet, maintaining uninterrupted processing and high throughput in a compact footprint
3Manufacturing precision
If precise angle-defined clamping and rotational position detection are required to direct high-pressure jet onto the interface, then deblocking precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static angle-defined clamping with a dynamic rotational mechanism. The block piece rotates during the fluid jet application, allowing the nozzle to maintain a fixed radial orientation while the rotation brings different surfaces into the jet path. This dynamic approach achieves precise deblocking without complex angular clamping and position detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directing the fluid jet at a fixed angle to a stationary interface, the system inverts the approach by keeping the nozzle radially oriented and rotating the workpiece. This reversal simplifies the nozzle positioning system while maintaining precise jet-to-interface alignment through the rotational motion
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 fast, economical, and simple deblocking of lenses with high throughput, allowing for optimized process sequences and minimal handling steps, including simultaneous removal of block material and protective layers.
Implementation Method 1
the deblocking, i.e. detaching, of a lens (2) from a block piece (3) on which the lens is blocked—i.e. temporarily fastened—by means of a block material (4), is carried out by means of a fluid jet (F1)
Implementation Method 2
The block material is preheated by the action of a heated fluid on the lens and the block piece
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for deblocking a lens, wherein the lens is blocked with a block material on a block piece. The block material is preheated by radiation. The blocked lens, the deblocked lens, and the deblocked block piece are handled by means of separate grippers. For deblocking, the lens and the block piece are held by opposing holding devices in a rotating manner, while a fluid jet acts on the block material from the side. After the deblocking, the lens and the block piece are cleaned simultaneously. Then, a holding device together with the deblocked lens pivot out from a working space. The deblocked lens is placed with the block side upward in a transport carrier. This makes possible a simple design and an optimized process sequence.