Optical Holding Device Peg Arrangement for Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing edged optical elements, such as electrochromic cells and liquid crystal lenses, face challenges in accurately positioning and orienting these elements due to variations in size and shape, leading to position uncertainty and internal defects during adhesive application.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with three pegs and a base that restricts movement of edged optical elements within a narrow position and orientation range, ensuring precise placement and orientation by optimizing the placement of pegs to minimize the allowed position and orientation range about three perpendicular axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central dot is used as a reference point for positioning, then the method is simple and widely applicable, but slight variations in lens size (smaller than a tenth of a millimeter) induce unacceptable position uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple reference points (three pegs positioned at specific locations) rather than relying on a single central dot. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate variations in lens dimensions while maintaining precise positioning through the geometric relationship between multiple reference points.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device acts as an intermediary between the lens and the positioning system. It comprises a base with three pegs that collectively define a reference frame, mediating the relationship between the variable lens dimensions and the fixed positioning requirements, thereby eliminating position uncertainty.
2Measurement precision
If edged lenses are positioned in a specific desired position for robot registration, then the closed path can be accurately registered, but any translation or rotation of the lens induces incorrect path positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed in advance with three pegs positioned at specific locations that correspond to predetermined reference points on the lens. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the lens is placed on the device, the correct positioning is automatically achieved, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and preventing positioning errors during robot registration.
3Productivity
If mass production of edged lenses with nominal dimensions is performed, then productivity is improved, but actual dimensions vary slightly leading to unacceptable position uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed with universal applicability to lenses of varying dimensions. The three pegs are positioned such that they can accommodate the full range of dimensional variations in mass-produced lenses while maintaining consistent positioning. This universal design allows the same device to handle all lenses regardless of their actual dimensions, enabling efficient mass production with precise positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Holding devices adapted for holding edged optical elements, manufacturing systems including such holding devices, and a corresponding method for manufacturing a compound optical element. The holding devices include a base for supporting a main surface of an edged optical element and either exactly three pegs or a plurality of clamps. The pegs are arranged so that two pegs are in contact with a first area of the side surface of an edged optical element positioned on the base while the remaining peg is in contact with a second area of the side surface only if a specific portion of the first or of the second area is within a specific position and orientation range about three perpendicular axes. The clamps are arranged to collectively hold an edged optical element positioned on the base by restricting its mobility with respect to three degrees of freedom.