Beam Splitter Assembly Miniaturization via Bent Spacer Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beam splitter assemblies face challenges in miniaturization due to the increased size of spacers required to support the beam splitter, which are affected by the surface accuracy of the holder, leading to potential deformation of the beam splitter.
Innovation Solution
A beam splitter assembly with a first spacer that supports the beam splitter at three points via bent portions, preventing deformation and miniaturization by maintaining a shape that does not exceed the beam splitter's dimensions, and an optional second spacer for the compensating plate that supports it at an angle, ensuring stability and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional spacer with projection pieces is used to support the beam splitter at three points, then the beam splitter can be prevented from deformation, but the size of the spacer increases and the overall assembly size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer transitions from a two-dimensional flat structure with projection pieces to a three-dimensional structure with bent portions that fold upward. This dimensional change allows the spacer to maintain three-point support functionality while reducing the overall footprint and avoiding increase in assembly size
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer portions are designed to be bent/folded rather than rigid projection pieces. This dynamic configuration allows the spacer to achieve the necessary support height while maintaining a compact form factor when folded, resolving the contradiction between support functionality and size
2Device complexity
If the beam splitter is directly fixed to the holder, then the assembly is simplified, but the beam splitter is deformed by the machining accuracy of the holder flange
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer serves as an intermediary element positioned between the holder flange and the beam splitter. It provides a precise reference surface for beam splitter mounting while isolating it from the machining errors of the holder, thus maintaining precision without significantly increasing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the holder provides mechanical support, the spacer provides precision positioning and isolation, and the beam splitter provides optical function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
In a beam splitter assembly 7, a beam splitter 22 is supported at three points by three bent portions 41 of a first spacer 24. Therefore, the beam splitter 22 can be prevented from being affected by the surface accuracy of a holder 21. Further, in the beam splitter assembly 7, the first spacer 24 faces the peripheral edge portion of the beam splitter 22. Each bent portion 41 is configured by bending each outer projection piece. Therefore, the external shape of the first spacer 24 can be prevented from becoming larger than the external shape of the beam splitter 22. And it is possible to suppress that the size of the holder 21 for providing the first spacer 24 becomes large. As a result, the miniaturization of the beam splitter assembly 7 can be realized.