Spectacle Lens Machining Line With Parallel Multi-Station Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectacle lens processing systems face challenges in achieving high throughput while maintaining a compact design and minimizing space requirements, often resulting in low efficiency and high operational costs due to the need for multiple separate processing devices and manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A processing system with multiple processing stations, including milling, turning, cleaning, and polishing, arranged on a common base frame with a compact transport system using conveyor belts and handling devices that allow for simultaneous processing and automated transport of lenses, optimizing the workflow and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate processing devices are used for spectacle lenses, then processing completeness is improved, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate processing devices (milling device, turning device, polishing device) into a single integrated processing system with a common base frame. This merging allows the system to provide complete processing capabilities while occupying less space than multiple separate devices would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple different processing operations (milling, turning, polishing) on spectacle lenses. The system achieves versatility through multi-functionality rather than requiring separate specialized devices for each operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate processing devices are used for spectacle lenses, then processing completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple processing functions into a single integrated system with a common base frame and coordinated transport mechanisms, the patent reduces the overall device complexity compared to managing multiple separate processing devices, while maintaining complete processing capabilities.
3Device complexity
If manual handling is used between processing devices, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system incorporates an automated transport system that automatically moves spectacle lenses between different processing stations without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability increases productivity by eliminating manual handling time while the system remains integrated and relatively simple in design.
4Device complexity
If lenses are processed sequentially in a single device, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing system into multiple independent processing stations (milling, turning, polishing) that can operate simultaneously on different lenses. This segmentation enables parallel processing, increasing throughput while each individual station remains relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated transport system ensures continuous movement of lenses through the processing stations, eliminating idle time and ensuring that all processing stations can operate continuously without interruption, thereby maximizing productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machining system for machining spectacle lenses and to a method for machining spectacle lenses. The machining system has a plurality of machining stations, in particular a milling station, a turning station, a polishing station, a cleaning station and/or a signing station. The machining system further has a transport system for transporting the spectacle lenses or transport containers for the spectacle lenses. The machining system preferably also has a common base frame and/or a common casing for the machining stations. In the machining system or using the method, a plurality of spectacle lenses can be machined at the same time in different machining stations.