Optical Device Holding Member Prevents Transparent Member Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical devices in digital cameras face issues with lens contamination and poor image quality due to the tilted top surface of the transparent member caused by uneven adhesive thickness, which prevents correct light entry and usage as a reference plane.
Innovation Solution
An optical device design featuring a holding member on a protective layer outside the element formation region to securely hold the transparent member from beneath, ensuring it remains parallel with the protective layer, using an adhesive to fill the gap and prevent tilting, thereby ensuring proper light entry and high image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the transparent member is fixed directly onto the protective layer with adhesive, then the fixing process is simple, but the top surface of the transparent member becomes tilted due to uneven adhesive thickness
Solution Approach 1:
A holding member is introduced as an intermediary component between the protective layer and the transparent member. The holding member has a bottom surface that contacts the protective layer and a top surface that contacts the transparent member, acting as a mediator to ensure proper positioning and prevent tilting while maintaining the simplicity of the adhesive fixing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing structure is segmented into three distinct components: the protective layer, the holding member, and the transparent member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the holding member specifically designed to maintain the parallelism and prevent tilting of the transparent member.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transparent member is fixed in a tilted state, then the adhesive can accommodate surface variations, but light does not enter the correct optical element leading to poor image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member serves as a mediator that ensures the transparent member is positioned correctly relative to the optical elements. It provides a stable reference surface that guides the transparent member into the proper orientation, ensuring light enters the correct optical element while allowing the adhesive to accommodate minor surface variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member is prepared in advance with specific geometric features (bottom surface for contacting the protective layer and top surface for contacting the transparent member) that pre-establish the correct positioning and orientation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the transparent member is fixed, it is already in the correct position to allow proper light entry.
3Device complexity
If the transparent member is fixed without a holding member, then the device structure is simpler, but the top surface cannot be used as a reference plane for mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the transparent member, prevents tilting, establishes a reference plane for mounting, and maintains the parallelism between the transparent member and the protective layer. This multi-functionality justifies the additional structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member adds a vertical dimension to the fixing structure, creating a stepped configuration where the holding member's top surface provides a new reference plane at a different height level. This dimensional change enables the reference plane functionality without compromising the overall structural efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements formed in an element formation region of the substrate, a plurality of lenses formed over the element formation region so as to correspond to the plurality of optical elements, and a protective layer formed so as to cover the plurality of lenses. A holding member is formed on the protective layer in a region outside the element formation region. The holding member holds a bottom surface of a transparent member. A gap between the protective layer and the transparent member is filled with an adhesive.