Optical Element Housing Installation with Elastic Radial Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical elements in sensors face challenges with radial displacements and thermomechanical stresses due to differences in diameter and thermal expansion, affecting measurement accuracy and stability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a clamping mechanism using elastic bodies to secure optical elements within a housing, ensuring play-free positioning and long-term stability by applying a clamping force in radial directions perpendicular to the centering axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the difference between the outer diameter of the optical elements and the inner diameter of the housing is increased to facilitate insertion, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the radial mobility of the elements increases causing radial displacements of the optical axes
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical element with an intermediate diameter is introduced as a mediator between the optical element and the housing. This intermediate element has a first diameter that facilitates easy insertion and a second, smaller diameter that provides precise positioning. The mechanical element acts as a transition structure that resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is segmented into two distinct parts: the first diameter portion that enables easy insertion into the housing, and the second diameter portion that provides precise radial positioning. This segmentation allows each part to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
2Manufacturing precision
If the difference between the outer diameter of the optical elements and the inner diameter of the housing is decreased to reduce radial mobility, then the positioning precision is improved, but the ease of insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical element is segmented into two diameter portions: a larger first diameter for easy insertion and a smaller second diameter for precise positioning. This allows the system to benefit from both large clearance (for insertion) and small clearance (for positioning) at different locations of the same component.
3Reliability
If O-rings are used to compensate for thermomechanical stresses, then the reliability under temperature fluctuations is improved, but the installation complexity increases due to the need for multiple O-rings spaced apart axially
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical element with its intermediate diameter acts as a mediator that provides both positioning and thermal compensation functions. By having a specific diameter relationship with the housing, it allows for controlled radial movement that accommodates thermal expansion without requiring multiple separate O-ring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical element is designed to perform multiple functions: providing precise radial positioning through its second diameter, facilitating insertion through its first diameter, and compensating for thermal effects through its elastic properties and diameter design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple O-rings are used to prevent tilting of the center axes, then the positioning stability is improved, but the installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical element segments the positioning function into radial positioning (via second diameter) and axial positioning (via the elastic body arrangement). This segmentation allows axial guidance to be provided by the structure itself rather than requiring multiple radial O-rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical element with intermediate diameter serves as a mediator that provides both radial and axial positioning guidance. Its structured design with specific diameter relationships creates natural guidance surfaces that prevent tilting without requiring multiple separate centering components.
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
Achieves precise, stable installation of optical elements with minimal radial mobility and resistance to thermal changes, enhancing measurement accuracy and durability.
Implementation Method 1
These O-rings can, for example, be inserted into a groove provided for this purpose in the respective mechanical element. However, O-rings must be installed in a slightly compressed state in order for them to then be able to compensate for changes in the radial distance between the respective mechanical element and the inner wall of the housing caused by temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 2
the assembly in the housing is clamped in at least one radial clamping direction running perpendicular to the centering axis by means of at least one elastic body, in which the respective elastic body... is then clamped in such a way that it exerts a clamping force acting in the respective radial clamping direction on an outer edge of the... element of the assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing at least one optical element in an interior space of a housing includes: clamping a sensor assembly in an interior of the housing in at least one radial clamping direction extending perpendicularly to a centering axis using at least one elastic body, wherein the sensor assembly comprises at least one optical elements, wherein each respective elastic body is inserted into a recess, which extends parallel to the centering axis and is open towards the interior space, and is clamped there such that each of the at least one elastic bodies exerts a clamping force acting in the respective radial clamping direction on an outer edge of each of the at least one optical elements of the assembly adjacent thereto in the interior space of the housing and to be clamped in the housing.