Shape-Memory Optical Blocking Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blocking devices for semi-finished optical elements are complex, costly, and require additional components like adhesives or vacuum generators, making them inconvenient, expensive, and difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device with a support member made of shape-memory material that provides a rigid support and adherence properties, allowing direct contact and attachment of the semi-finished optical element without the need for adhesives or additional retention mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive agents or retaining mechanisms are used to attach the optical element to the blocking device, then the attachment strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the adhesive agent and retaining mechanism from the blocking device, relying solely on the shape-memory material's inherent properties to provide both attachment strength and retention functionality through temperature-dependent shape changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the shape-memory material by changing temperature to transition between rigid and compliant states, enabling the material to provide attachment strength when needed and facilitate release when heated, eliminating the need for additional retaining mechanisms
2Reliability
If adhesive agents or retaining mechanisms are used to attach the optical element, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes adhesive agents and retaining mechanisms from the design, reducing manufacturing steps and material costs while maintaining attachment reliability through the shape-memory material's temperature-dependent mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-memory material provides self-service by automatically transitioning between attachment and release states through temperature changes, eliminating the need for external adhesive agents or complex retaining mechanisms
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support member is made rigid to provide stable support, then the support stability is improved, but the adherence properties to the optical element decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the support member dynamic by utilizing the shape-memory material's ability to transition between rigid and compliant states through temperature changes, allowing the member to be rigid for stable support during processing and compliant for adherence during attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the shape-memory material through temperature control, transitioning from a rigid state for stable support to a compliant state for adherence, resolving the contradiction between stability and adherence
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 solution simplifies the attachment process, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the convenience of using the blocking device, while maintaining the necessary rigidity and adherence for effective surfacing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a support element made of a shape-memory material having a rigid state below a predetermined temperature and a plastic state above said predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
said shape-memory material is configured for having adherence properties with respect to said first face of said semi-finished optical element when said contact face of said support element and said first face of said semi-finished optical element are in direct contact with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A blocking device includes a support member configured for providing a rigid support to the semi-finished optical element, the support member including a support element made of a shape-memory material having a rigid state below a predetermined temperature and a plastic state above the predetermined temperature, and assuming in the absence of external forces a predetermined memory shape when heated above the predetermined temperature, the support member having a contact face onto which the first face of the optical element is to be applied, the contact face of the support member being a surface of the support element, the shape-memory material being configured for having adherence properties with respect to the first face of the optical element, the adherence properties being sufficient for attaching the first face of the optical element to the contact face of the support element.