Optical Component Retaining Element Thermal Expansion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact optical systems using synthetic materials face challenges in maintaining image stability due to high thermal expansion coefficients and temperature-dependent optical properties, leading to focus drift issues that conventional methods struggle to compensate without increasing weight or space.
Innovation Solution
An optical arrangement where a retaining element, potentially made of synthetic material with high thermal expansion, is pivoted between contact positions on the optical component and a carrier with low thermal expansion, allowing thermal expansion to displace the component along the optical axis, thereby compensating for temperature-induced image errors without additional weight or space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If synthetic materials are used for compact optical systems, then weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but thermal expansion coefficient increases causing image instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and position of the optical component by utilizing thermal expansion. The retaining element expands thermally to push the optical component along the optical axis, transforming thermal energy into mechanical displacement. This parameter change allows the system to compensate for focus drift caused by temperature variations while maintaining the benefits of synthetic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies thermal expansion as the core mechanism for compensation. The retaining element is designed with a specific thermal expansion coefficient that allows it to expand when heated, thereby pushing the optical component to adjust its position. This thermal expansion mechanism converts the harmful thermal effects into a useful function for maintaining image stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional compensation methods are used, then image stability is maintained, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the retaining element automatically compensates for focus drift through its own thermal expansion. The system uses the thermal energy already present in the environment to drive the compensation action, eliminating the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The retaining element serves dual purposes: mechanical retention and active compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the retaining element and the compensation mechanism into a single integrated component. Rather than adding a separate compensation device, the retaining element itself is designed to perform both mechanical support and thermal compensation functions, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.
3Strength
If the retaining element is made rigid, then mechanical stability is improved, but thermal expansion compensation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the retaining element with differentiated properties: it maintains sufficient rigidity in certain directions to provide mechanical stability and support the optical component, while allowing controlled thermal expansion in the direction along the optical axis. This localized differentiation of mechanical properties enables both stability and adaptability.
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 effectively compensates for temperature-dependent image errors and focus drift in compact optical systems, maintaining image stability without increasing weight or space, by utilizing the thermal expansion of the retaining element to adjust the optical component's position along the optical axis.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining element is arranged in such a manner that it can be pivoted between the first contact position and the second contact position... allowing thermal expansion to displace the component along the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical arrangement including an optical component with a basic body and at least one retaining element, which is designed as an integral element of the optical component or which is actively connected to the optical component is disclosed. The retaining element is affixed on a first contact position of the basic body and a carrier, on which the optical component is supported by means of the retaining element. The retaining element is affixed on a second contact position of the carrier and is arranged in such a manner that it can be pivoted between a first contact position and a second contact position. The arrangement is conducted in such a manner that during a thermal expansion of the basic body in the direction of the carrier and/or with a thermal expansion of the retaining element a movement of the first contact position along the optical axis is generated.