Compliant Member Light Guide Assembly for Uniform Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanning devices face inefficiencies in light transfer due to gaps between the reflective backing and the light pipe, leading to reduced scanning quality and increased size or cost, especially when manufacturing tolerances result in imperfect surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A compliant member is used between the reflective backing and the support structure to maintain the backing flush against the light pipe, ensuring maximum efficiency and uniform light output without the need for adhesive fixation, which could introduce gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive fixation is used to attach the reflective backing to the light pipe, then the backing is secured in place, but gaps may be introduced between the backing and the light pipe surface
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant member is introduced as an intermediary element between the reflective backing and the light pipe. This compliant member deforms under compression to fill surface irregularities and ensure uniform contact across the entire interface, eliminating gaps that would otherwise occur with direct adhesive fixation or mechanical mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant member changes its physical state from a relaxed configuration to a compressed configuration when force is applied. This parameter change allows the member to adapt its shape and fill gaps caused by manufacturing tolerances, ensuring continuous contact between the reflective backing and the light pipe surface.
2Volume of moving object
If the light pipe is made more compact to reduce device size, then the overall device footprint is reduced, but maintaining uniform light output becomes more difficult due to tighter tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant member acts as a flexible element that can deform to accommodate variations in the light pipe surface. This flexibility allows the system to maintain uniform light output even when manufacturing tolerances are tighter than usual, which is necessary for compact device designs where precision is harder to achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant member serves as a pre-positioned cushioning element that compensates for potential gaps before they can affect light output uniformity. By placing this compliant element between the reflective backing and the light pipe, the system proactively addresses tolerance issues rather than reacting to them.
3Device complexity
If the reflective backing is mounted flush against the light pipe without a compliant member, then the structure is simpler, but gaps form due to manufacturing tolerances reducing light pipe efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant member serves as a mediator that resolves the conflict between structural simplicity and energy efficiency. While it adds one component to the assembly, it eliminates the need for complex adhesive application processes or precision machining, and more importantly, it ensures continuous contact to prevent light leakage and maintain high transfer efficiency.
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 enhances light pipe efficiency by maintaining the reflective backing in contact with the light pipe, improving scanning quality and allowing for cost-effective manufacturing by compensating for manufacturing tolerances, thus enabling a more compact and affordable scanning device.
Implementation Method 1
Compression of the compliant member between the light pipe and the support structure maintains the reflective backing flush against the light pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A light pipe is mounted to a support structure along a length of the light pipe. The light pipe has an end at which light enters the light pipe. Light exits the light pipe at an emissive surface of the light pipe. A reflective backing is positioned at a surface of the light pipe opposite the emissive surface. A compliant member between the reflective backing and the support structure maintains the reflective backing flush against the surface of the light pipe.