Adjustable Edge Holder for Variable-Size Optical Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser damage metrology systems require multiple custom frames for optical elements of varying dimensions, leading to high design and storage costs, and lack of adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A device with adjustable retaining blocks that fit around the edges of rectangular parallelepiped objects, allowing for adjustable length, width, and thickness, using sliding joints and adjustable locking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped object is held in a hand, then it can be easily carried, but it cannot be securely fastened or stored in a box

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of carryingVSAvoidsecurity of fastening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into a body portion and a lid portion that can separate and recombine. The body portion has a receiving space for the object, while the lid portion can cover and secure it. This segmentation allows the object to be easily accessed when carried but securely enclosed when stored.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rectangular parallelepiped-shaped object is nested within the receiving space of the holder's body portion. The lid portion then covers the opening, creating a nested structure where the object is contained within the holder, providing security while maintaining compactness for carrying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the holder has a fixed structure, then it is simple to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to objects of different sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of structureVSAvoidadaptability to different object sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holder incorporates adjustable elements including a movable bottom wall with sliding panels and adjustable side walls. These dynamic components allow the receiving space to be reconfigured to accommodate rectangular parallelepiped-shaped objects of various dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple sizes and configurations of rectangular parallelepiped-shaped objects. The adjustable structure allows a single holder design to serve multiple functions for different object dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized holders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the holder allows easy access to the object, then it is convenient for use, but the object may not be securely protected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of accessVSAvoidprotection from damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid portion is segmented into panels that can open independently or together, allowing flexible access to the object while maintaining security when closed. The segmented structure enables easy access when needed but provides complete enclosure for protection when the lid is closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lid portion acts as an intermediary between the user and the object. It provides a barrier that protects the object from damage when closed, while allowing controlled access when opened. Fastening mechanisms on the lid serve as intermediaries to secure the lid in both open and closed positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3899346B1Adjustable device for holding a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped object
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3899346B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3899346B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3899346B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The main object of the invention is a device (1) for holding an object (2) with a substantially rectangular parallelpiped shape, characterised in that it comprises at least four holding blocks (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) intended to come into contact respectively with the four edges of the object (2), each holding block (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) comprising: a contact portion (4) on which one of the four edges of the object (2) is intended to be supported, a linear guide system making it possible to link the holding blocks (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to each other by means of sliding joints, the holding device (1) being thus configured to be adjustable to the length and width of the object (2).