Monolithic Lens Reflector Unit Reducing Optical Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement instruments face challenges due to the large number of optical material interfaces that result in light losses and sensitivity to handling errors, as they require multiple separate optical elements to be accurately aligned.
Innovation Solution
A lens and reflector unit with a hemispherical design featuring ellipsoidal and flat surfaces that minimize glass/air interfaces, allowing for collimation and focusing of light with reduced optical losses and increased robustness, utilizing a single transparent body with multiple convex and flat surface sections to control the propagation path of optical radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple separate optical elements are used to control light propagation, then the light path can be controlled effectively, but the number of glass/air interfaces increases causing optical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical elements (lenses and reflectors) into a single integrated optical component. The component includes a first lens portion with a first refractive index and a second lens portion with a second refractive index, where the second lens portion is surrounded by the first lens portion. This merging eliminates multiple glass/air interfaces that would otherwise cause optical losses through reflection and scattering, while maintaining the complex light path control functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple separate optical elements are used, then light propagation can be controlled, but the structure becomes sensitive to rough handling and alignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical elements into a single monolithic structure that is less sensitive to handling and alignment errors. The component comprises a first lens portion and a second lens portion with different refractive indices, formed as an integrated unit. This eliminates the need for precise alignment between separate elements, making the optical system more robust to rough handling while maintaining effective light propagation control.
3Length of moving object
If a single convex lens is used to reduce glass/air interfaces, then the number of interfaces is reduced, but the distance between light source and lens must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different refractive indices in different regions of the optical component. The first lens portion has a first refractive index and the second lens portion has a second refractive index. This allows each region to be optimized for its specific function: the first lens portion can be optimized for collimation with a shorter focal length, while the second lens portion handles focusing. This enables reduced distances between optical elements while maintaining low optical losses.
4Loss of energy
If a single convex lens is used, then the structure is simplified, but the reflection coefficient from mirror surface becomes significantly smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using two different refractive indices in different lens portions. The first lens portion has a first refractive index and the second lens portion has a second refractive index. This parameter change allows the optical system to achieve high reflection coefficients at internal interfaces through total internal reflection, eliminating the need for external mirrors with lower reflection coefficients, while maintaining a relatively simple integrated 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
This design reduces optical losses and enhances the structural robustness of optical measurement instruments by minimizing the number of glass/air interfaces and simplifying the alignment process, ensuring efficient light transmission and handling.
Implementation Method 1
A first convex surface section of a lens and reflector unit (501), wherein said first convex surface section and a plane that intersects said first convex surface section at its circumferential rim delimit a first lens that has a first optical axis
Implementation Method 2
a first flat surface section of said lens and reflector unit, said first flat surface section having a normal direction that divides an angle between said first and second optical axes into equal halves
Data Source
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AI summary
A lens and reflector unit for optical measurements includes first and second convex surface sections of the lens and reflector unit. Both have their respective central normal lines. A first flat surface section has a normal direction that divides the angle between the central normal lines into equal halves. A third convex surface section has a third central normal line, and the fourth convex surface section has a fourth central normal line. A second flat surface section has a normal direction that divides the angle between the third and fourth central normal lines into to equal halves.