Spectacle Lens Positioning Structure Without Blocking Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing spectacle lenses require the use of blocking members, which lead to inefficient processing, ecological concerns, and the risk of lens deformations due to inadequate support and mechanical holding forces.
Innovation Solution
A method that eliminates the need for blocking members by forming an orientation structure on the spectacle lens semi-finished product during the generation of the optically active shape, allowing for precise alignment and retention using a positioning retainer with a complementary positioning structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blocking members are used to hold and position spectacle lens blanks during processing, then the workpiece can be securely retained, but the processing efficiency decreases and ecological concerns arise due to necessary blocking and deblocking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the blocking member from the processing system entirely. Instead of using a separate blocking member to hold the spectacle lens blank, the method uses the generated optically active shape itself as the retention feature. The blank is held directly by the processing device through the generated shape features, eliminating the need for blocking and deblocking operations, thereby improving processing efficiency while maintaining reliable workpiece retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary generation of the optically active shape with integrated retention features before the actual optical surface processing. By creating the generated shape with specific geometric features that provide retention capability, the system prepares the workpiece in advance with built-in positioning and retention features, eliminating the need for subsequent blocking operations and improving overall processing efficiency.
2Reliability
If blocking members are used to hold spectacle lens blanks, then workpiece retention is achieved, but lens deformations occur due to inadequate support and mechanical holding forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the blocking member that causes deformation through mechanical holding forces. By using the generated optically active shape features for retention instead, the system avoids the harmful mechanical stresses that lead to lens deformations, thereby maintaining both reliable workpiece retention and high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies retention forces only at specific locations defined by the generated shape features rather than through general mechanical clamping. The retention mechanism is localized to precise geometric features on the lens blank, providing adequate support exactly where needed without applying deforming forces to other areas, thus maintaining lens shape accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If blocking members are used during processing, then workpiece positioning is achieved, but additional auxiliary processes are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the blocking member and associated blocking/deblocking processes from the manufacturing sequence. Workpiece positioning is achieved directly through the generated shape features that provide inherent positioning capability, eliminating the need for separate positioning auxiliary processes and reducing overall device and process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the workpiece retention, positioning, and optical surface generation functions into a single integrated process. The generated optically active shape serves multiple purposes: creating the optical surface, providing retention features, and establishing positioning references. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate blocking members and auxiliary positioning processes, simplifying the overall system.
4Ease of manufacture
If blocking members are used for holding spectacle lens blanks, then processing can be performed, but ecological concerns arise and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the blocking member from the manufacturing process, removing the source of ecological concerns and efficiency reduction. By using the generated shape features for retention, the process becomes more streamlined and environmentally friendly while maintaining full processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous processing by eliminating the interruptive blocking and deblocking steps. The generated shape features provide continuous retention and positioning throughout the optical surface processing operations, allowing the manufacturing process to proceed without interruption and thereby improving overall manufacturing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing spectacles lenses (10), in which method, starting with a blank which has predetermined surface geometries on a front face (12) and a rear face (14) remote therefrom and having a contoured edge (16) therebetween, a finished part is formed by material removal and/or deposition. In a step of generating an optically active shape of the spectacles lens, the semifinished product is shaped, which has an edge region (18) in which an orientation structure (20) is also made. For at least one subsequent step of further machining, the location and position of the semifinished product in space are clearly identified and established with the aid of a positioning receptacle (22) arranged in a defined manner in space.