Shape-Memory Optical Blocking Device with Pneumatic Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blocking devices for semi-finished optical elements are not convenient, simple, or economic to manufacture, and lack adaptability to various shapes, requiring complex mechanisms for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device utilizing a shape-memory material support element that transitions from a rigid state below a predetermined temperature to a plastic state above it, allowing for easy adaptation to different shapes and reusability, combined with a pneumatic blocking member and a Peltier effect cell for temperature control, enabling direct contact and vacuum sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is used to adapt the blocking device to various shapes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element changes its physical state from rigid to plastic by changing temperature parameters. When heated above the transition temperature, the shape-memory material becomes plastic and can be deformed to adapt to different optical element shapes. When cooled below the transition temperature, it returns to its rigid memory shape. This parameter change allows a single component to replace complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element utilizes phase transition of the shape-memory material between rigid and plastic states through temperature control. This phase transition enables the support element to change from a fixed rigid structure to a deformable plastic state for shaping, and back to rigid for maintaining the adapted shape, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is used to adapt the blocking device to various shapes, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the temperature parameter of the shape-memory material, the support element transitions between rigid and plastic states, enabling it to adapt to different shapes without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. This simplifies the manufacturing process significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-memory support element can be repeatedly deformed and reset through temperature cycling, effectively making it a reusable component that replaces expensive complex adjustment mechanisms. The material's ability to return to its original shape after deformation allows for multiple reuse cycles.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support element transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that can change its properties based on temperature. Below the transition temperature, it maintains rigid stability; above the transition temperature, it becomes plastic and adaptable. This dynamic property change allows the same component to provide both stability and adaptability at different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-memory material undergoes phase transition between rigid and plastic states through temperature control. In the rigid state below the transition temperature, the support element provides structural stability. When heated above the transition temperature, it transitions to a plastic state allowing deformation to match different optical element shapes, thus achieving both stability and adaptability.
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 provides a convenient, simple, and economic blocking device that is adaptable to various shapes, reusable, and easy to manufacture, ensuring secure and efficient attachment of semi-finished optical elements during 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, said support element assuming in the absence of external forces a predetermined memory shape when heated above said predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic blocking member defining a cavity configured to be closed by said first face of said semi-finished optical element, said pneumatic blocking member being configured to sustain a vacuum inside said cavity when closed by said first face of said semi-finished optical element so that said semi-finished optical element is attached to said blocking portion
Implementation Method 3
combined with a pneumatic blocking member and a Peltier effect cell for temperature control
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 having a contact face onto which a first face of the optical element is to be applied; and a pneumatic blocking member defining a cavity configured to be closed by the first face of the optical element, the pneumatic blocking member being configured to sustain a vacuum inside the cavity so that the optical element is attached to the blocking device; 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 contact face of the support member being a surface of the support element.