Elastic Protective Seal for Dust-Free Optical Element Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical elements, such as lenses and light sources, are vulnerable to dust and impurities when protective caps are removed for use, and there is a risk of losing or forgetting these caps, leading to exposure during installation.
Innovation Solution
A protective seal with a hollow body comprising a first and second wall, where the second wall deforms to create an orifice upon perpendicular force application, allowing use while maintaining dust protection, and returning to a sealed state when the force is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable rigid protective cap is used to protect optical elements, then the element is protected from dust when not in use, but the element becomes vulnerable to dust during the time taken for removing the protective cap and installing the optical element
Solution Approach 1:
The protective seal transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic open state through elastic deformation. The second wall deforms elastically under applied force to open the slot, allowing the optical element to be inserted while maintaining protection during the transition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal utilizes changes in the physical state of the elastic material. The elastic material transitions from an undeformed state (providing closed protection) to a deformed state (providing open access), and back to the original state, enabling repeated use without loss of protective function.
2Reliability
If a removable rigid protective cap is used, then the optical element is protected from dust, but the protective cap may be lost or forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function and the access mechanism are merged into a single integrated seal structure. The seal combines the protective barrier (first and second walls) with the opening mechanism (slot in the second wall) into one unified component that remains attached to the optical element.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is designed to be self-opening through elastic deformation when force is applied to the second wall. The elastic material automatically deforms to open the slot and returns to its original closed state after the element is inserted, eliminating the need for separate cap removal and reattachment operations.
3Reliability
If the second wall is made closed to ensure hermeticity, then dust is prevented from entering, but the optical element cannot be accessed for use
Solution Approach 1:
The second wall is segmented by incorporating a slot that can be independently opened and closed. This segmentation allows the majority of the second wall to remain closed for hermeticity while providing a controlled access point when needed, separating the protective function from the access function.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot in the second wall transitions from a closed state (maintaining hermeticity) to an open state (allowing access). This dynamic transformation is achieved through elastic deformation of the seal material, enabling the system to switch between protection and access modes as required.
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 seal effectively protects optical elements from dust both before and during use, ensuring hermeticity when not in use and enabling easy transition to a usable state without the need for additional caps.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow body forming the protective seal is produced from an elastic material... the elastic material is an elastomer... enables the protective seal to deform elastically, while remaining in the elastic domain
Implementation Method 2
said protective seal is configured to return to the rest position when the force is no longer being exerted on the second wall... the second wall reverts to its initial shape, with its at least one slot closed again
Data Source
AI summary
A protective seal taking the form of a hollow body includes a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, and a section between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall has an opening and the second wall has at least one slot. The protective seal is configured so as to pass, when a force is exerted on the second wall, in a direction perpendicular to the second wall, from a rest position to a stressed position. In the rest position, at least one slot is closed. In a stressed position, at least one slot is deformed, freeing up an opening in the second wall.