Cylindrical Lens Support Structure for Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light source apparatuses face challenges in achieving high light condensing accuracy due to errors in positional adjustment and fixation of components, particularly between the coupling lens and the cylindrical lens, which affects the laser beam's convergence.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus with a cylindrical lens integrally formed with a support portion that directly supports the coupling lens, eliminating intermediate holding members and allowing precise positional adjustment, thereby enhancing the alignment and fixation accuracy of the semiconductor laser, coupling lens, and cylindrical lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple holding members are used to fix the coupling lens and cylindrical lens, then the assembly is easier to manufacture, but the positional accuracy and light condensing accuracy deteriorate due to accumulated errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cylindrical lens and its holding member into a single integrated component. The holding member is formed as an integral part of the cylindrical lens, eliminating the need for separate holding members and reducing the number of assembly steps while improving positional accuracy by eliminating accumulated errors from multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical lens structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the optical element (cylindrical lens) and the holding member (support structure). The holding member is formed integrally with the cylindrical lens, making it a multi-functional component that simplifies the overall assembly
2Ease of manufacture
If the coupling lens is fixed using separate holding members, then the assembly process is simplified, but the light condensing accuracy deteriorates due to error accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling lens holding function directly into the cylindrical lens structure. The holding member is formed as an integral part of the cylindrical lens, creating a unified component that eliminates the need for separate holding members and reduces assembly complexity while improving precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate holding members are used between the coupling lens and cylindrical lens, then the assembly is more flexible, but the positional error increases and alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates intermediate holding members by integrating the holding function directly into the cylindrical lens. The holding member is formed as an integral part of the cylindrical lens, creating a direct support structure that improves alignment accuracy by eliminating intermediate interfaces while maintaining assembly flexibility through the integrated design
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 configuration enables high light condensing accuracy of the laser beam by minimizing positional errors and ensuring precise alignment, resulting in improved light concentration and convergence.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling lens which converts the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser into a light flux
Implementation Method 2
a cylindrical lens into which the light flux from the coupling lens enter... the condensing accuracy (concentrating accuracy collecting accuracy, or converging accuracy) is high
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus includes a semiconductor laser which emits a laser beam, a coupling lens which converts the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser into a light flux, and a cylindrical lens into which the light flux is allowed to come from the coupling lens. The cylindrical lens is integrally formed with a lens portion, an outer circumferential portion which is arranged at an outer circumference of the lens portion, and a support portion which extends from the outer circumferential portion toward the semiconductor laser and which supports the coupling lens.