Optical Lens Integrated Attachment Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for attaching an optical lens to a barrel or optical sensor require connection components such as screws or adhesive material, increasing assembly difficulty and cost in optical data capturing devices.

Innovation Solution

An optical lens design featuring a first part protruding from a second part with a concave portion, allowing secure attachment to a base with protruding portions without connection components or adhesive material, simplifying assembly and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If connection components such as screws or adhesive material are used to attach the optical lens to the barrel or optical sensor, then the attachment strength is improved, but the assembly difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the attachment function directly into the lens structure by forming an integrated lens assembly where the lens is molded as a single piece with attachment features (such as protrusions or engagement structures). This merging of the lens optical function and mechanical attachment function eliminates the need for separate connection components like screws or adhesives, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining attachment strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens structure incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features such as elastic deformation zones, protrusions that automatically engage with corresponding recesses in the barrel, or interference-fit designs. These features enable the lens to attach itself to the barrel or optical sensor without requiring external connection components or adhesive materials, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring secure attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If connection components such as screws or adhesive material are used to attach the optical lens, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment features are integrated into the lens molding process itself, combining the optical lens fabrication and mechanical attachment feature creation into a single manufacturing step. This eliminates the need for separate procurement, inventory management, and assembly operations for connection components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable attachment through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens design incorporates self-securing mechanisms such as elastic recovery features, interference fits, or snap-fit structures that are formed during the lens molding process. These features provide reliable attachment without requiring additional materials like adhesives or fasteners, thereby reducing material costs and simplifying the manufacturing supply chain while ensuring consistent attachment reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12092890B2Optical lens and optical data capturing device
Publication Date: 2024.09.17 PIXART IMAGING INC
  • US12092890B2 patent drawing
  • US12092890B2 patent drawing
  • US12092890B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical lens, comprising: a first part, comprising a first surface; and a second part, comprising a second surface, a third surface and at least one concave portion. The first surface and the second surface are not parallel with the third surface, the first part protrudes from the third surface, and the first surface and the second surface are connected with the third surface.