Tilted Lens Holder Basket for Automated Optical Lens Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens baskets for manufacturing high index semi-finished lenses lack geometric consistency, making automated loading and unloading difficult, cause mechanical stress leading to astigmatism, and are limited in versatility, resulting in inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A universal basket assembly with tilted lens holders and a planar base, featuring a central arm and angled arms defining a tilted plane, allowing for automated handling and secure positioning of lenses with support members, enabling consistent and efficient loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lens baskets with multiple lens holder configurations are used to accommodate various lens dimensions, then versatility in holding different lenses is improved, but geometric consistency is lost making automated handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the lens holder by introducing a tilted plane at a specific angle (e.g., 30 degrees) relative to the reference plane. This parameter change creates a standardized orientation that maintains geometric consistency while still accommodating various lens dimensions through the standardized receiving points on the tilted plane, enabling automated handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilted plane configuration serves as a universal geometric structure that can hold multiple types of lenses (different diameters, center thicknesses, and edge thicknesses) while maintaining consistent orientation. The standardized receiving points on the tilted plane create a multi-functional holder that works with various lens types, enabling both versatility and automated handling.
2Productivity
If lenses are positioned in traditional baskets, then holding capacity is improved, but mechanical stresses are applied causing astigmatism and compromising optical quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric tilted plane configuration that angles the receiving points away from the vertical reference plane. This asymmetric orientation redistributes the mechanical stresses on the lens, preventing the slanted positioning that causes astigmatism. The tilted plane maintains holding capacity while improving optical quality by eliminating harmful stress patterns.
3Stability of the object's composition
If lens holders are configured to secure lenses in traditional baskets, then stability is improved, but lenses still shift during manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the orientation parameter of the receiving points to a tilted plane configuration, the patent creates a more stable lens positioning system. The angled geometry of the tilted plane better conforms to the natural shape of lenses, providing improved contact points that prevent shifting during the manufacturing process, thereby enhancing both stability and position consistency.
4Reliability
If traditional basket configurations are used, then specific product compatibility is improved, but versatility for other lens products is limited creating gaps and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The tilted plane configuration with standardized receiving points creates a universal holder design that maintains reliable compatibility with specific lens products while simultaneously providing versatility for other lens types. The geometric consistency of the tilted plane allows the same basket configuration to be used across different lens products, eliminating gaps and inefficiencies.
Data Source
AI summary
A basket assembly for holding optical article, the basket comprising: a planar base; and a plurality of lens holders tilted relative to a reference plane that is perpendicular to the planar base, each lens holder comprising: a central arm, first and second angled arms disposed on opposite sides of the central arm, wherein: the first and second angled arms extend from the central arm at a common angle and from a common point of intersection, and the first and second angled arms and the central arm collectively define a tilted plane that is tilted at an angle relative to the reference plane. Also presented is a method of loading and unloading the basket that is configured to hold optical articles.