Integral Optics Assembly for Optical Mouse Light Source Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical mouse designs face challenges in achieving precise alignment and optimal performance due to the critical position and orientation requirements of the laser light source and optics, leading to inaccuracies and increased complexity with multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
An optical tracking assembly with an integral optics assembly that includes collimating and imaging lenses, along with mechanical alignment features, centers and positions the laser light source precisely, reducing the number of parts and enhancing alignment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate parts are used for light source mounting and alignment, then flexibility in assembly is improved, but alignment precision and manufacturing complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source mounting features and optical alignment features into a single integral optics assembly. This unified structure eliminates the need for multiple separate parts, ensuring that the light source is precisely positioned and aligned with the optical components while simplifying the assembly process. The integral design guarantees consistent alignment tolerances that would be difficult to achieve with multiple separate parts.
2Ease of repair
If multiple separate parts are used for optics assembly, then ease of repair and replacement is improved, but device complexity and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optics assembly is designed as an integral unit where the light source mounting features and optical alignment features are combined into one structure. This reduces the total number of parts and simplifies the overall device complexity, while the modular nature of the integral assembly still allows for replacement as a unit, maintaining ease of repair.
3Ease of operation
If loose tolerances are used in light source positioning, then ease of assembly is improved, but light distribution uniformity and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integral optics assembly incorporates precisely engineered features that simultaneously provide alignment guidance and positioning control. These integrated features ensure that the light source is positioned with the required precision for uniform light distribution, while the design itself facilitates assembly by providing built-in alignment references that guide the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the integral optics assembly features to achieve the desired light distribution uniformity. By carefully designing the dimensions, positions, and orientations of the integrated features, the system achieves reliable optical performance while maintaining ease of assembly through self-aligning characteristics.
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
This solution achieves improved light distribution and uniformity by precisely aligning the laser light source and optics, addressing the inaccuracies and complexity of conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
The lenses may include (1) collimating lenses for collimating light from the light source along a first optical axis to the navigation surface
Implementation Method 2
(2) imaging lenses for imaging reflected light from the navigation surface along a second optical axis to the optical sensor chip
Implementation Method 3
a distance the light source is placed away from a navigation surface that reflects light onto the optical sensor chip
Data Source
AI summary
An optical tracking assembly for an optical mouse includes a light source, an optical sensor chip, and an integral optics assembly. The integral optics assembly includes lenses and alignment features receiving the light source. The alignment features center the light source to the lenses and control a distance the light source is placed away from a navigation surface that reflects light onto the optical sensor chip. The lenses may include (1) collimating lenses for collimating light from the light source along a first optical axis to the navigation surface, and (2) imaging lenses for imaging reflected light from the navigation surface along a second optical axis to the optical sensor chip.