Optical Element Carrier Layout for Compact Filter Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical switching mechanisms require large areas to accommodate unused optical components, leading to undesirable design constraints in optical devices.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a housing and optical element switching system that includes movable carriers, a carrier guide system, and a drive system, allowing optical components to be stored outside the optical path without increasing the device's form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional wheel or linear switching mechanisms are used to accommodate unused optical components, then the optical components can be stored outside the optical path, but the form factor (device area) increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D planar storage arrangements (wheel or linear configurations) to a 3D stacked configuration where multiple carrier plates are vertically arranged above the optical sensor. This vertical stacking enables multiple optical components to be stored in a compact volume directly over the sensor, dramatically reducing the horizontal form factor while maintaining the ability to store multiple unused optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple carrier plates are stacked vertically within the housing volume above the optical sensor. Each carrier plate can hold an optical component, and they are nested in the vertical dimension rather than spread out in the horizontal plane. This nesting approach allows multiple optical components to be accommodated within the same footprint, reducing the overall device area.
2Ease of operation
If a wheel mechanism is used to select filters, then filter switching is enabled, but a large clearance area is required outside the optical path to accommodate filters not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the filter storage from a horizontal circular arrangement (wheel mechanism) to a vertical stacked arrangement above the sensor. This dimensional change eliminates the need for large horizontal clearance areas while maintaining the ability to rotate through multiple filters using a compact drive mechanism in the vertical dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the filter storage function from the conventional wheel mechanism and implements it through independent carrier plates stacked vertically. Each carrier plate can be independently positioned and rotated into the optical path, separating the storage function from the selection mechanism and enabling compact integration.
3Ease of operation
If a linear switching mechanism is used to line up filters, then filter selection is achieved, but a large linear form factor is required for filters not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear horizontal arrangement of filters to a vertical stacked arrangement. This dimensional change converts the large linear form factor into a compact vertical profile, reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining the ability to access multiple filters through vertical movement and rotation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various exemplary systems for transporting and switching optical components are disclosed. The system includes carriers (14) disposed about a housing (4) and configured to follow a carrier guide system (16) to switch optical components at the optical prescription center of the optical path. In one example, a device is disclosed that reduces the packaging form factor through the use of carriers rotated about an inverted radius along a track adjacent to a limiting peripheral boundary. The system and device are configured to switch optical components while minimizing the form factor of the optical device. Methods of accomplishing these tasks are also disclosed.