Optical Element Strain Absorption via Intermediary Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical devices face deterioration in optical characteristics due to strain caused by differences in linear expansion coefficients between materials used for the movable portion and glass plates, leading to potential deformation and performance issues.

Innovation Solution

An optical element design featuring a plate portion with a reflecting surface, a shaft, a magnet, and fixing plates that absorb strain through a protruding portion and screw fixation, reducing the impact of linear expansion coefficient differences and maintaining optical performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a glass plate is directly bonded to the movable portion, then the optical device can be constructed with a simple structure, but strain occurs in the glass plate due to difference in linear expansion coefficient between materials

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidoptical characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing structure is divided into multiple plates (first plate and second plate) that are arranged in layers between the movable portion and the glass plate. This segmentation allows each plate to independently absorb strain in different directions, preventing strain transmission to the glass plate while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first plate and second plate act as intermediary elements between the movable portion and the glass plate. These intermediate plates absorb the strain caused by thermal expansion differences, preventing direct strain transmission to the glass plate while maintaining the bonding structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different materials are used for the movable portion and glass plate, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but strain occurs due to difference in linear expansion coefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial optimizationVSAvoidoptical characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first plate and second plate serve as intermediary components between the movable portion and the glass plate. These intermediate plates are specifically designed to absorb strain caused by thermal expansion differences, allowing different materials to be used for optimization while preventing strain transmission to the glass plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The strain-absorbing function is localized to specific regions through the first plate and second plate, which are positioned at critical locations where thermal expansion differences would cause strain. This allows other regions to maintain their optimized material properties without compromising overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the glass plate is directly bonded to the movable portion, then assembly is simplified, but the optical characteristics deteriorate due to strain on the reflecting surface

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveassemblyVSAvoidoptical characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing structure is segmented into multiple plates that can be assembled in layers, maintaining relative assembly simplicity while preventing strain transmission to the glass plate. The segmented structure allows for straightforward integration into the existing assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first plate and second plate are installed beforehand between the movable portion and the glass plate to cushion and absorb potential strain before it can affect the glass plate. This preventive measure ensures optical characteristics are maintained from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The design effectively suppresses strain on the reflecting surface, maintaining the optical characteristics of the device and enhancing its durability by absorbing thermal expansion differences, thus preventing performance degradation.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet below the shaft in the direction of the central axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a plate portion (11) having a reflecting surface (111) on an upper surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11789230B2Optical element and optical scanning device

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 NIDEC CORP(JP)

AI summary

An optical element includes a plate portion including a reflecting surface on an upper surface in a direction of a vertically extending central axis, a shaft that extends in a direction of a first axis intersecting with the central axis and is fixed to a lower surface of the plate portion, a magnet below the shaft in the direction of the central axis, and plates that fix the plate portion and the shaft, the plate portion including a protruding portion that extends downward in the direction of central axis from a lower surface, the plate including a shaft fixing portion to which the shaft is fixed and a plate portion fixing portion to which the plate portion is fixed, the plate portion fixing portion being fixed to the protruding portion.