Black Elastomer Composition for Bubble-Free Optical Surface Affixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing black members used for measuring optical properties of optical members often form air bubbles due to their hardness and poor adhesion to curved surfaces, leading to inaccurate measurements and increased optical effects on the back surface.
Innovation Solution
A black elastomer molded article with low hardness, composed of thermoplastic elastomer, black substance, and softening agent, with specific properties such as FP hardness of 85 or less, reflectance of 5.0% or less, surface roughness of 1.0 μm or less, and adhesive force of 1.0 N/mm to 8.0 N/mm, designed to suppress air layer formation and improve adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a typical black member with certain hardness (Asker C 50-70) is used to withstand continuous use on large optical members, then strength and durability are improved, but air layer formation and poor adhesion occur leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hardness parameter of the black member from Asker C 50-70 to FP hardness 85 or less, and controls surface roughness Ra to 1.0 μm or less. These parameter changes enable the material to be soft enough to conform to curved surfaces and eliminate air gaps, while maintaining sufficient strength for continuous use on large optical members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material composition including thermoplastic elastomer, black substance, and softening agent. This composite structure provides both the required mechanical strength and the surface properties (low hardness, low roughness) necessary for excellent adhesion and elimination of air layers on curved surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a black member is made softer to improve adhesion to curved surfaces, then conformability is improved, but strength and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies FP hardness of 85 or less to ensure softness for conformability, while controlling surface roughness Ra to 1.0 μm or less to maintain structural integrity and strength. This parameter optimization allows the material to conform to curved surfaces without sacrificing durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite formulation with thermoplastic elastomer, black substance, and softening agent creates a material that is soft enough for conformability yet maintains sufficient strength. The specific composition ratios and material selection ensure both properties coexist.
3Force
If the surface roughness is increased to improve adhesion, then bonding strength is improved, but air layer formation increases due to poor conformability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes surface roughness to Ra of 1.0 μm or less, which is smooth enough to prevent air layer formation on curved surfaces but provides sufficient micro-adhesion. This precise parameter control resolves the contradiction between adhesion and conformability.
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 effectively prevents air bubble formation and enhances adhesion to both flat and curved surfaces, ensuring accurate optical property measurements by minimizing optical effects on the non-measured surface.
Implementation Method 1
a reflectance (Ym value) of the affixing surface being 5.0% or less
Data Source
AI summary
A black elastomer molded article according to the present technology is provided with an affixing surface to which an adherend having light transmission property is affixed in a removable manner, wherein the black elastomer molded article includes a thermoplastic elastomer, a black substance, and a softening agent and has an FP hardness of 85 or less, a reflectance (Ym value) of the affixing surface being 5.0% or less, a surface roughness (Ra) of the affixing surface being 1.0 μm or less, and an adhesive force (with respect to SUS) of the affixing surface being from 1.0 N/mm to 8.0 N/mm.