Micro-optical Retainer with Tapered Recess for Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting and fixing micro-optics on holders often result in maladjustment due to displacement or twisting caused by shrinkage of fixing means, which complicates the alignment of optical axes.
Innovation Solution
A micro-optical device featuring a holder with a round, tapering indentation and a spherical cap that is fixed using an adhesive in a gap between the indentation and the spherical cap, ensuring that the spherical cap is not fixed where it rests, preventing displacement or twisting and maintaining precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fixing means (adhesive) is used to secure the spherical cap on the holder, then the spherical cap is firmly fixed, but shrinkage of the fixing means causes displacement or twisting of the spherical cap leading to maladjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The holder surface is segmented into two distinct zones: a support line/edge zone that provides mechanical support without fixation, and a separate fixation zone where adhesive is applied. This segmentation allows the spherical cap to be supported at one location while fixed at another, preventing both displacement and maladjustment simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The support line or edge acts as an intermediary element between the spherical cap and the holder. By providing a dedicated support structure that contacts the spherical cap at a specific location, it prevents the adhesive from being the sole contact point, thereby eliminating the problem of adhesive shrinkage causing misalignment.
2Strength
If the spherical cap is fixed where it rests on the holder, then it is securely attached, but this causes displacement or twisting and maladjustment of the optical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment interface is divided into two functional zones: a support zone (support line or edge) that provides mechanical support without fixation, and a fixation zone where adhesive is applied. This ensures the spherical cap is attached securely while maintaining precise optical axis alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different locations of the spherical cap-holder interface have different properties: the support line/edge area provides mechanical support with no fixation, while the surrounding gap area receives adhesive fixation. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of secure attachment and precise alignment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the spherical cap is not fixed where it rests, then displacement or twisting is prevented, but additional fixation structure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The support line or edge serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the spherical cap, defines the alignment reference, and creates the gap structure necessary for adhesive fixation. This multi-functionality achieves precise alignment without requiring additional complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical cap geometry naturally creates a gap between its curved surface and the flat holder surface when positioned on the support line or edge. This curvature-based gap formation provides the necessary space for adhesive application without requiring additional complex fixation structures.
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 solution simplifies and improves the adjustment of micro-optics by preventing maladjustment, allowing for precise alignment and secure fixation without compromising the optical axis alignment during the fixation process.
Implementation Method 1
the spherical cap being attached by means of an adhesive to a gap formed between the indentation and the spherical cap above the support line or the edge in the recess on which the spherical cap rests
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical device, comprising a micro-optical system and a retainer, and to a method for producing an optical device. In the case of the device according to the invention, the micro-optical system (10) is fastened in such a way that the micro-optical system is oriented in relation to a surface (50) of the retainer (60). The device is characterized in that the retainer (60) has a round, tapered recess (40) and the micro-optical system (10) is fastened on a spherical cap (20) and the spherical cap (20) is fastened to the retainer, wherein the spherical cap (20) at least partially protrudes into the recess (40) and lies against a partial surface (30) of the recess (40) or an edge (41) in the recess (40), wherein the spherical cap (20) is fastened to the retainer (60) in the recess (40), but not where the spherical cap lies in contact. Because the spherical cap is not fastened where the spherical cap lies in contact, shrinking of a fastening means cannot cause a shift or rotation of the spherical cap and thus cannot cause a misadjustment.