Optical Module Two-Dimensional Adjustment With Anti-Loosening Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

The alignment of a light spot emitted by a light source with the light-pipe of a light homogenization device in projectors requires a stable light-output lens adjustment mechanism to maintain efficiency under long-term use conditions, including varying temperatures and vibrations.

Innovation Solution

An optical module with a two-dimensional adjustment mechanism, featuring first and second adjusting screw rods, anti-loosening assemblies, and a redirecting adjustment assembly, ensures precise and stable positioning of the light-output lens by locking the screw rods after adjustment, utilizing wedge-shaped portions and elastic members for secure alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a light-output lens adjustment mechanism is provided to align the light spot with the light-pipe, then the alignment precision and light source efficiency are improved, but the stability of the adjustment mechanism deteriorates under long-term use conditions including temperature variations and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidstability of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is divided into two independent directions: vertical adjustment (first adjusting screw rod) and horizontal adjustment (second adjusting screw rod with redirecting assembly). This segmentation allows each direction to be adjusted and locked independently, improving overall stability while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-loosening assemblies are pre-configured with elastic washers that apply continuous pre-tightening force to the adjusting screw rods. This preliminary action ensures that the adjustment mechanism maintains its positioned state without requiring frequent re-adjustment under temperature variations and vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If adjusting screw rods are used to enable two-dimensional position adjustment of the light-output lens, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple screw rods and anti-loosening assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of position adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The redirecting adjustment assembly converts the rotational motion of the second adjusting screw rod (first direction) into linear motion of the wedge-shaped portion (second direction perpendicular to the screw rod axis). This dimensional transformation enables horizontal adjustment capability while using a vertically-oriented screw rod, simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge-shaped portion acts as an intermediary between the second adjusting screw rod and the support assembly. It translates the rotational adjustment into perpendicular linear motion, serving as a mechanical mediator that simplifies the connection between the screw rod and the horizontal adjustment requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If anti-loosening assemblies with elastic washers are used to lock the adjusting screw rods, then the reliability of the locked position is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of locked positionVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic washer in the anti-loosening assembly automatically generates pre-tightening force through its elasticity, creating a self-servicing locking mechanism. The elastic deformation of the washer continuously applies clamping force to the adjusting screw rod, maintaining the locked position without requiring additional active components or energy input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 optical module enhances the stability and efficiency of the light source by maintaining precise alignment of the light spot with the light-pipe, even under harsh conditions, ensuring consistent performance.

Implementation Method 1

the second support member is elastically supported within the first support member along the second direction through the second elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic support: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first elastic washer sleeved on the first adjusting screw rod and located between the first nut and the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic locking: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3650934B1Optical module
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 APPOTRONICS CORP LTD
  • EP3650934B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3650934B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3650934B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical module, the optical module includes: a first adjusting screw rod (40), a first anti-loosening assembly (50), a second adjusting screw rod (70) and a second anti-loosening assembly (90). The first adjusting screw rod (40) is configured to adjust a position of a component in a first direction a, and the second adjusting screw rod (70) is configured to adjust a position of a component in a second direction b. The first anti-loosening assembly (50) is configured to lock the first adjusting screw rod (40) after position adjustment of the first adjusting screw rod (40), and the second anti-loosening assembly (90) is configured to lock the second adjusting screw rod (70) after position adjustment of the second adjusting screw rod (70). In this way, the present disclosure can improve stability of position adjustment and ensure efficiency of a light source.