Lens Array Unit Bending Rigidity Warpage Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens array units have low bending rigidity in the direction of the optical axis, making it difficult to fabricate them with high accuracy and resulting in inadequate image resolution.
Innovation Solution
A lens array unit comprising a first and second lens array plate with micro lenses arranged perpendicular to their optical axes, supported by a member with higher bending rigidity in the optical axis direction, which opposes the plates to enhance stability and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the lens array plate is made thin in the optical axis direction, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the bending rigidity becomes low making high accuracy fabrication difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single thin lens array plate to a multi-layer structure with first and second lens array plates arranged in the optical axis direction. This dimensional change allows each plate to remain thin for ease of manufacture while the combined structure provides the necessary rigidity and positioning accuracy through the separation and opposition of multiple layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single lens array plate into two separate lens array plates (first and second) with different orientations. Each plate contains micro lenses arranged perpendicular to its optical axis, and they are positioned opposite each other with a specific spacing. This segmentation allows each plate to be manufactured independently with appropriate thickness for rigidity while maintaining the overall optical function.
2Device complexity
If the lens array plate is made thin in the optical axis direction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bending rigidity becomes low resulting in warpage and reduced image resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-layer configuration along the optical axis, placing the first and second lens array plates at different positions with a specific spacing. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions provides structural stability and prevents warpage while maintaining relatively simple individual plate designs that reduce manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two lens array plates with different micro lens arrangements (first plate with lenses perpendicular to optical axis, second plate with lenses parallel to optical axis) to create a stable optical system. The merging of these two plates with complementary orientations provides mutual support and stability, preventing warpage that would occur with a single thin plate.
3Device complexity
If a single lens array plate is used, then the device complexity is low, but the positional accuracy and image resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into two distinct lens array plates with different micro lens orientations. The first plate has micro lenses arranged perpendicular to the optical axis while the second plate has micro lenses arranged parallel to the optical axis. This segmentation enables each plate to contribute differently to image formation, achieving high positional accuracy and resolution that a single plate cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical axis direction as an additional dimension to arrange the two lens array plates at different positions with a specific spacing. This spatial separation in the optical axis direction allows for precise control of light paths and image formation, enabling high measurement precision and resolution while keeping each individual plate relatively simple in 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
The solution allows for the formation of images at desired resolutions by reducing warpage and maintaining high positional accuracy, enabling precise image formation in applications like printers and image readers.
Implementation Method 1
The bending rigidity of the support member in the first direction is higher than the bending rigidity of the first lens array plate in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
An optical system including the rod lens array unit can form an erected equal magnification image of an object
Data Source
AI summary
A lens array unit includes first and second lens array plates that oppose each other on opposite sides of a support member. Each of the lens array plates supports a set of lenses that are arranged in one direction and that have optical axes extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. The bending rigidity of the support member in the direction that the optical axes extend is higher than the bending rigidity of the first lens array plate in that direction.