Light-Transmissive Loading Jig for UV Curing Optical Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for fixing optical elements using UV-curing adhesives face challenges in achieving even adhesive thickness and preventing temperature rises, especially when dealing with resin materials, due to the complexity of UV radiation setups and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a light-transmissive loading jig that applies a load while radiating UV through it, allowing for even adhesive thickness and suppressing temperature rises by absorbing non-contributory wavelengths, thus simplifying the process and enhancing curing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV is radiated through the lens to harden the adhesive, then the adhesive can be cured, but the temperature of the optical element increases considerably causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
A light-transmissive loading jig is introduced as an intermediary component between the UV light source and the adhesive. The jig transmits UV light to cure the adhesive while its weight applies pressure to maintain contact, and its light-transmissive material selectively filters the UV spectrum to prevent excessive heating of the optical element.
2Reliability
If UV is radiated for a long period to harden the adhesive, then the adhesive hardens completely, but the optical element temperature increases causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The loading jig modifies the UV radiation parameters by selectively transmitting only the wavelength range (300-450nm) effective for adhesive curing while blocking longer wavelengths that cause heating. This changes the spectral distribution of UV radiation, enabling complete adhesive hardening in shorter time without optical element deformation.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure is applied to the adhesion surface during UV radiation, then the adhesive thickness becomes even, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The loading jig performs multiple functions simultaneously: it applies pressure to ensure even adhesive thickness, transmits UV light for curing, and acts as a filter to prevent optical element heating. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pressure application devices, simplifying the overall structure while achieving precise adhesive thickness control.
4Manufacturing precision
If a light-transmissive loading jig is used to apply load and radiate UV, then adhesive thickness becomes even and temperature rise is suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading jig is designed to be self-sufficient, using its own weight to apply the necessary pressure load while its light-transmissive material properties enable UV transmission and filtering. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional actuators or control mechanisms, achieving precise adhesive thickness control without significantly increasing device 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 ensures uniform adhesive thickness, stabilizes adhesion strength, and prevents adverse temperature effects during UV radiation, improving the quality and efficiency of optical module manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a light source radiates light through a loading jig to irradiate the aforesaid optical-curing adhesive while applying a load on the aforesaid adhesion section though the loading jig made of a light-transmissive material
Implementation Method 2
the light-transmissive material has a characteristics to absorb the light having a wavelength which does not contribute to hardening of the optical-curing adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
In the optical element fixing method, when optical element 10 is adhesively fixing member 20 by using the optical-curing adhesive, the optical-curing adhesive is applied on at least one of the adhesion sections of the optical element and the adhesive section of the fixing member, and the optical-curing adhesive is irradiated with the light from the light source through the loading jig while the load is being applied to the adhesion fixing section through loading jig 31 made of light-transmissive material.