Swivel Lens Machining Module with Segmented Tool Axes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices for ophthalmic lenses are bulky, prone to inaccuracy due to bending forces, require time-consuming maintenance, and are inefficient in motor usage, limiting the ability to drill close to the lens' center and adjust tool orientations.

Innovation Solution

A compact machining device with tools distributed on distinct axes, a single motor and gearbox for efficient speed control, and a swivel-mounted module allowing tools to be inclined for precise machining, enabling accurate drilling near the lens support axis and reducing overall size and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple machining tools are stacked one next to the other on a common support, then all machining operations can be performed with a single device, but the set of wheels becomes cantilevered out over a long length causing deformation and inaccurate machining

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining operations capabilityVSAvoidmachining accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the machining tools into separate groups mounted on different supports rather than stacking all tools on a single cantilevered support. Each support carries only the tools it needs to operate, segmenting the overall machining system into independent functional units that do not interfere with each other's precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple machining tools are stacked one next to the other, then all operations can be performed, but the set of wheels occupies considerable space and requires time-consuming maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining operations capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the tool supports so that each carries only its specific tools, the patent enables independent access to each tool group. Maintenance personnel can service one support without disturbing others, dramatically reducing maintenance time and simplifying repairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a common motor drives the set of wheels at a single speed, then the device is simple to operate, but the motor must be powerful enough for all tools resulting in high cost and bulky size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor control simplicityVSAvoidmotor size

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the drive system so that each support has its own dedicated motor rather than using a single common motor. This allows each motor to be sized appropriately for its specific tools, reducing overall motor power requirements and eliminating the need for an oversized motor to handle all tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each support can be independently controlled by its own motor, allowing dynamic speed adjustment for each tool group based on its specific machining requirements. This enables optimized performance for each tool while maintaining simple operation through independent control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the drill axis is free to move relative to the lens, then the drill can be oriented appropriately, but the device becomes more complex with multiple motors increasing size and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrill orientation capabilityVSAvoidmotor architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the drill support with the finishing module support, so that the same support structure serves both the finishing wheels and the drill. This eliminates the need for a separate drill support and motor, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to orient the drill appropriately for different machining operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8342909B2Device for machining ophthalmic lenses, the device having a plurality of machining tools placed on a swivel module

Publication Date: 2013.01.01 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)

AI summary

A device (1) for machining an ophthalmic lens includes a support for the ophthalmic lens and for driving it in rotation about a blocking axis (A1), a machining module (35) that can be swiveled relative to the support and driving the lens in rotation and that is suitable for pivoting about a swivel axis that is not parallel to the blocking axis of the lens, and at least one drill tool mounted to rotate on the machining module about a first axis of rotation. The machining device includes at least one other machining tool mounted to rotate on the machining module about another axis of rotation that is distinct from the first axis of rotation and that is stationary relative to the first axis of rotation.