LiDAR Optical Unit Assembly for Thermal-Stable Adhesive Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges in maintaining precise alignment and stability of optical components due to thermal expansion and adhesive bond stresses, leading to potential failure and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
An optical system design where the optical unit is fastened to a base holder with adhesive bonds arranged in a specific configuration to ensure uniform stress distribution, using materials with matching thermal expansion coefficients and allowing for precise positioning and orientation before adhesive curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If adhesive bonds are used to fasten the optical unit to the base holder, then the optical system can be assembled and positioned precisely, but thermal expansion differences and adhesive stress cause misalignment and potential bond failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the adhesive bond arrangement from a single bond or asymmetric multiple bonds to a symmetric arrangement where adhesive bonds are positioned at identical distances from the optical axis on opposite sides. This symmetric parameter configuration ensures that thermal expansion and adhesive stress affect both bonds equally, preventing differential stress that leads to misalignment and bond failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the material selection - using materials with different thermal expansion coefficients for the base holder and optical unit - but compensates through symmetric adhesive bond geometry. This allows the system to accommodate thermal expansion differences while maintaining alignment through the symmetric stress distribution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the optical unit is rigidly fastened to the base holder, then positioning stability is improved, but thermal expansion stresses cause adhesive bond failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of the adhesive bond arrangement to symmetric positions relative to the optical axis. This symmetric configuration allows thermal expansion stresses to be distributed evenly across both adhesive bonds, preventing stress concentration that would lead to bond failure while maintaining rigid connection for positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetric adhesive bond arrangement acts as a preemptive stress distribution mechanism that cushions against thermal expansion stresses before they can cause bond failure. By pre-configuring the adhesive bonds to experience equal stress, the system prevents the development of differential stresses that would lead to bond rupture.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive bonds are positioned asymmetrically for easy manufacturing, then assembly is simplified, but differential stress from thermal expansion causes misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the material selection - using materials with different thermal expansion coefficients for the base holder and optical unit - but compensates through symmetric adhesive bond geometry. This allows the system to accommodate thermal expansion differences while maintaining alignment through the symmetric stress distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the adhesive bond arrangement from an asymmetric configuration to a symmetric one where bonds are equidistant from the optical axis. This parameter change ensures that thermal and mechanical stresses are distributed uniformly, maintaining alignment precision while still allowing for straightforward manufacturing of the symmetric structure.
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
Enhances reliability and flexibility in adhesive selection, preventing adhesive bond failure and maintaining optical performance under varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the first fastening region is glued to the third fastening region and the second fastening region is glued to the fourth fastening region
Implementation Method 2
using materials with matching thermal expansion coefficients
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system. The optical system includes: a light source, a base holder comprising first and second fastening regions, and an optical unit comprising third and fourth fastening regions. The optical unit is fastened to the base holder in a joining direction oriented transversely to the fastening regions, such that the first fastening region is glued to the third fastening region and the second fastening region is glued to the fourth fastening region. The light source is fastened in a predefined position and with a predefined orientation relative to the base holder. The third and fourth fastening regions are provided on the optical unit so as to be spaced apart from one another in the joining direction between the optical unit and the base holder. The optical unit is configured to influence a light beam emitted by the light source toward the optical unit.