Castellated Optical Mounting Structure for Miniaturized Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens mounting techniques for miniaturized optical components, such as those in portable electronics, often constrain the clear aperture of lenses, reducing light throughput and increasing the outer diameter of the mounting structure, which is undesirable in miniaturized applications.
Innovation Solution
A lens mounting arrangement featuring radially extending tabs on the lens element and complementary retaining members in the mounting structure, providing an interference fit that maximizes the clear aperture without encasing the lens, allowing for flexible interference fit options and minimizing the outer diameter of the barrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional retaining structures (retaining rings, adhesives, clamps) are used to mount lens elements, then the lens can be held in place, but the clear aperture of the lens is reduced and the outer diameter of the mounting structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel is segmented into multiple discrete retaining members (fingers or tabs) rather than using a continuous retaining ring. These retaining members are positioned at specific locations around the lens periphery, providing support only where structurally necessary. This segmentation allows the majority of the lens clear aperture to remain unobstructed while still achieving secure mounting through the distributed retaining members.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts the mounting function from a continuous circumferential structure (retaining ring) and relocates it to discrete peripheral features (retaining members at specific angular positions). By taking out only the necessary portions of the barrel to form retaining members, the structure achieves the same lens-holding function with minimal interference to the clear aperture.
2Strength
If the outer diameter of the barrel is increased to accommodate retaining structures, then the lens can be securely mounted, but the overall device size increases which is undesirable in miniaturized applications
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing uniform support around the entire circumference of the lens, the retaining members provide localized support at specific critical positions. The barrel structure is optimized to provide strength and support only where mechanically necessary for secure mounting, while minimizing the outer diameter in regions where full circumferential support is not required. This local quality approach maintains mounting security without increasing overall barrel diameter.
3Device complexity
If adhesive is used to mount the lens, then the mounting structure can be simplified, but adhesive requires surface area for application which reduces the effective diameter of the barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel structure provides its own mounting function through the integrated retaining members, eliminating the need for separate adhesive application. The retaining members are formed as part of the barrel itself, providing mechanical retention without requiring additional materials or processes. This self-service approach maintains structural simplicity while preserving maximum effective barrel diameter.
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
This solution allows for maximum light throughput by maximizing the clear aperture of the lens while maintaining a low-cost, compact mounting structure, suitable for small lenses and various optical elements, and can be adapted for different lens types and materials.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the mounting structure is in an interference fit with the a portion of the lens element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly has a lens element having a plurality of radially extending tabs and a mounting structure having a plurality of retaining members. The retaining members extend in a direction substantially parallel to an optical axis defined by the mounting structure and are positioned complementary to the radially extending tabs of the lens element. A portion of the mounting structure is in an interference fit with the a portion of the lens element.