Contactless Suspension and Side-Grip Handling for Optical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of optical devices such as waveguides for augmented reality applications is challenging due to their small, fragile, and nano-sized optical structures, which are easily damaged or contaminated, making fast and automated processing difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for handling optical devices using a contactless suspension system and a gripper with movable side supports. The optical device is first suspended contactlessly and then gripped by moving the side supports from an open to a closed position, allowing for transportation without contacting the major surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional contact-based handling methods are used for optical devices, then the device can be gripped and transported, but the fragile optical structures on the major surfaces are damaged or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based gripping systems with a contactless suspension system that uses acoustic or electromagnetic fields to hold and transport optical devices. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact with the fragile optical structures on the major surfaces, preventing damage and contamination while maintaining reliable handling and transport capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary field (acoustic or electromagnetic) between the handling system and the optical device. This intermediary enables transmission of holding and transport forces without direct mechanical contact, thereby protecting the fragile optical structures while still allowing for controlled manipulation and movement of the device
2Productivity
If automated processing is implemented to increase productivity, then the manufacturing rate improves, but the complexity of handling fragile optical devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gripping and positioning mechanisms with a contactless suspension system controlled by acoustic or electromagnetic fields. This simplification reduces mechanical complexity while enabling automated processing at high speeds, as the field-based system can be precisely controlled and adjusted without complex mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes adjustable parameters of the acoustic or electromagnetic field (frequency, amplitude, phase) to control the suspension and transport of optical devices. By changing these field parameters, the system can adapt to different device sizes, weights, and handling requirements, enabling automated processing with reduced mechanical complexity
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 approach enables the handling of fragile optical devices with high precision and control, preventing damage and contamination, and facilitating efficient transportation and positioning.
Implementation Method 1
providing the optical device in a suspended state using a contactless suspension system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for handling an optical device is provided. The method includes providing the optical device in a suspended state using a contactless suspension system, the optical device having two major surfaces. The method includes gripping the optical device in the suspended state using a gripper having a set of side supports, wherein the gripping of the optical device includes moving the set of side supports from an open position to a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, one or more side surfaces of the optical device extending between the two major surfaces of the optical device are held by the set of side supports. The method includes transporting the optical device using the gripper.