Vacuum-Activated Granular Optical Blocking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blocking devices for optical elements, such as ophthalmic lenses, rely on costly and environmentally hazardous materials like low melting point metal alloys or wax, and require heating/cooling cycles that can damage the lenses, while also lacking in precision and safety during machining and polishing operations.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device featuring a rigid base with a deformable pocket containing granular material, equipped with evacuation and sealing means, which reduces pressure to attach securely to the optical element without heating/cooling cycles, using a granular material like glass or sand for improved rigidity and environmental safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low melting point metal alloy or wax is used to attach the blocking device to the optical element, then the blocking device can be securely attached, but the process becomes costly and environmentally hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive and hazardous consumable materials (metal alloys and wax) with a reusable blocking device that uses granular material. The blocking device can be detached and reused multiple times, eliminating the need for continuous consumption of hazardous materials while maintaining secure attachment during machining operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the granular material through pressure reduction. By reducing pressure inside the deformable pocket, the granular material transitions from a loose state to a compacted state that firmly holds the optical element, providing secure attachment without thermal processing
2Reliability
If low melting point metal alloy or wax is used to attach the blocking device, then secure attachment is achieved, but heating and cooling cycles are required which can damage the optical element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal system (heating and cooling cycles) with a mechanical system. The blocking device uses mechanical pressure reduction to compact the granular material and achieve secure attachment, completely eliminating the need for thermal processing that could damage the optical element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using pressure reduction (vacuum) inside the deformable pocket to achieve attachment. The evacuation means create a pressure differential that compacts the granular material and secures the optical element without any thermal exposure
3Device complexity
If a rigid block is used to block the optical element, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to the shape of the optical element for precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by using a deformable pocket that can change its shape to match the optical element's surface. The pocket transitions between a relaxed state (for easy placement) and a compressed state (for precise positioning), combining structural simplicity with adaptive precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible deformable pocket made of elastomeric material that can conform to the optical element's shape. This flexible structure allows the blocking device to adapt to various optical element geometries while maintaining a simple overall device design
4Reliability
If consumable products like metal alloy or wax are used, then attachment is achieved, but the process is costly and requires disposal of hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts this principle by creating a durable, reusable blocking device that eliminates the need for consumable materials. The granular material inside the blocking device can be reused indefinitely, preventing waste and reducing costs associated with purchasing and disposing of hazardous consumables
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the blocking device itself. After each machining operation, the blocking device can be detached from the optical element and reused for subsequent operations, eliminating the continuous consumption and disposal of metal alloys or wax
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides secure, precise, and environmentally friendly attachment of optical elements, preventing damage during machining and polishing by eliminating the need for hazardous materials and temperature changes, while ensuring accurate positioning and reduced pressure for enhanced rigidity.
Implementation Method 1
reducing the pressure in the space situated between the optical element and the deformable pocket attaches the blocking device to the optical element
Implementation Method 2
reduces the pressure inside the deformable pocket in order to stiffen it
Implementation Method 3
sealing means adapted to assure sealed contact between the deformable pocket and an optical element
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device includes a rigid base (2) and a deformable pocket (3) containing a granular material (13). Discharging elements (4) are provided for gas exchange between the inside and the outside of the deformable pocket (3).