Sealing Parameter Carrier for Simultaneous Temperature and Force Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The verification of sealing parameters (temperature, force, and time) in a primary packaging line for ophthalmic lenses is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring separate measurements for each parameter, which can impact production yield due to the need for manual carrier replacements and prolonged downtime.

Innovation Solution

A carrier comprising a temperature sensing plate, force sensing plate, and supporting plate, stacked together, allowing simultaneous measurement of sealing temperature, force, and time using thermally non-conductive and flexible materials to isolate heat transfer and ensure accurate readings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate measurement carriers are used for each sealing parameter (temperature, force, time), then measurement precision for each parameter can be ensured, but device complexity and verification time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing parameter measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement carrier complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement functions (temperature sensing, force sensing, time measurement) into a single integrated measurement carrier. The carrier includes a temperature sensor, force sensor, and timer all mounted on one platform, eliminating the need for separate carriers for each parameter and reducing verification time while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement carrier is designed as a universal device that can simultaneously measure multiple sealing parameters (temperature, force, time) during a single sealing verification process. This multi-functional carrier replaces the need for multiple specialized carriers, simplifying the verification procedure.

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

2Measurement precision

If separate verification runs are performed for each sealing parameter, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity and production yield decrease due to prolonged downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing parameter verification accuracyVSAvoidproduction yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sequential verification runs into a single simultaneous verification process by integrating multiple sensors on one carrier. This allows all sealing parameters to be measured in one operation, dramatically reducing verification time and minimizing production downtime while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The simultaneous measurement carrier enables continuous verification of all sealing parameters during a single sealing cycle, eliminating interruptions and repeated setup/teardown operations. This continuous verification process maintains production flow and maximizes productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If manual carrier replacement is required between measurements, then measurement precision is preserved, but verification time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidverification operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple measurement functions into one carrier, eliminating the need for manual replacement between measurements. The single carrier with integrated sensors can measure all parameters simultaneously, making the verification process simpler and more operator-friendly while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If multiple separate measurement carriers are used, then each parameter can be measured independently, but loss of time occurs due to sequential measurement and carrier replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent parameter measurementVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines independent measurement capabilities for temperature, force, and time into a single integrated carrier that measures all parameters simultaneously during one sealing verification, eliminating the time loss associated with sequential measurements and carrier replacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 quick, reliable, and simultaneous measurement of sealing parameters, reducing verification time and increasing production yield by ensuring all parameters are within tolerance ranges without interference.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor (23) which, in its uncompressed state, projects above the temperature sensing plate upper surface (20) and which is compressible in a direction towards the temperature sensing plate lower surface (21)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 2

a force sensor (35) which is arranged on the lower surface of the force sensing plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force

Implementation Method 3

a timer (45) which is arranged on the lower surface of the force sensing plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4210931B1Carrier for the simultaneous measurement of a plurality of sealing parameters in a primary packaging line for ophthalmic lenses
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ALCON INC
  • EP4210931B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4210931B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4210931B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A carrier (1) for the simultaneous measurement of sealing temperature, sealing time and sealing force in a primary packaging line for ophthalmic lenses comprises a temperature sensing plate (2), a force sensing plate (3), and a supporting plate (4). Temperature sensing plate (2) is arranged atop force sensing plate (3), which is arranged atop supporting plate (4).