Spectacle Lens Processing Layout for Simultaneous Multi-Station Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectacle lens processing systems face challenges in achieving high throughput while maintaining a compact footprint and efficient surface processing, often resulting in low operational reliability and high downtime due to the need for multiple handling steps and separate processing stations.
Innovation Solution
A processing system with multiple simultaneous and independent processing stations, including milling, turning, cleaning, and polishing, is designed with a common base frame and transport system, utilizing conveyor belts and handling apparatuses for efficient and automated processing, allowing for simultaneous processing of multiple lenses and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate processing devices with individual conveying devices are used, then flexible processing of lenses is achieved, but the system occupies large space and has high complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing devices (milling, turning, polishing, cleaning, signing) into a single integrated processing system with a common base frame and shared conveyor belt. This merging approach maintains processing flexibility while significantly reducing the system footprint compared to separate processing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The common conveyor belt serves multiple functions by transporting lenses between all processing stations. This universal conveying element replaces individual conveying devices, reducing overall system complexity and space requirements while maintaining adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If sequential processing through multiple stations is used, then complete surface processing is achieved, but throughput is reduced due to low operational reliability and high downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design allows continuous lens transport through all processing stations without interruption or manual handling. The common conveyor belt ensures uninterrupted material flow, eliminating downtime between stations and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the processing sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The common conveyor belt acts as an intermediary that seamlessly connects all processing stations, enabling smooth transitions and continuous operation. This mediator eliminates the need for separate handling mechanisms between stations, reducing operational interruptions and improving throughput.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple handling operations are performed, then complete processing is achieved, but operational reliability decreases and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates redundant handling operations by implementing a single common conveyor belt that performs all transport functions. This removal of unnecessary intermediate handling steps reduces operational complexity and increases system reliability while maintaining complete processing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing system for processing spectacle lenses and a method for processing spectacle lenses are proposed. The processing system has several processing stations, in particular a milling station, a turning station, a polishing station, a cleaning station and/or a signing station. Furthermore, the processing system has a transport system for transporting the spectacle lenses and/or transport containers for the spectacle lenses. Preferably, the processing system also has a common base frame and/or a common casing for the processing stations. In the processing system and/or with the method, several spectacle lenses can be processed simultaneously in different processing stations.