Optical Structure Ridges for Thermal Self-Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical equipment, such as cameras and projectors, face challenges in maintaining consistent image capturing and reproduction quality due to temperature-induced changes in optical components, which require active adjustments and additional actuators, and manufacturing variations lead to production tolerances that affect the alignment of optical components.

Innovation Solution

The use of ridges with different thermal expansion coefficients integrated into the optical structure allows for self-regulation of optical characteristics by deforming and moving the optical structure relative to a reference plane, counteracting thermal changes without the need for external actuators, and the implementation of annealable adhesives and electrostatic drives for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If active adjustment mechanisms (actuators) are used to compensate thermal changes, then image quality consistency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality consistencyVSAvoidactuator mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful thermal expansion effect into a beneficial self-compensation mechanism. The ridges are designed with specific material properties and geometric configurations (different thermal expansion coefficients, predetermined curvatures) so that their thermal deformation automatically counteracts the thermal changes in the optical structure, eliminating the need for active actuators while maintaining image quality consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical apparatus performs self-adjustment through the passive thermal deformation of the ridges. The system uses its own thermal response to automatically compensate for temperature-induced optical characteristic changes without requiring external control systems or additional energy input, achieving self-regulation of optical performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple adjustment apparatuses are introduced to correct production tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent alignmentVSAvoidadjustment apparatuses

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ridges are designed with predetermined geometric characteristics (curvatures, thickness variations, material compositions) during manufacturing that pre-program their thermal deformation behavior. This preliminary design ensures that when thermal changes occur during operation, the ridges automatically deform to compensate for production tolerances and achieve proper optical alignment without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional focusing mechanisms are used, then variable focusing capability is achieved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable focusingVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical focusing mechanisms (motors, lenses, moving coils) with a thermally-driven deformation system. The ridges use thermal expansion and elastic deformation to achieve focusing adjustments, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components and enabling miniaturization of the overall apparatus while maintaining variable focusing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enables miniaturization and cost reduction of optical apparatuses, compensates for production tolerances, and allows for variable focusing, maintaining optimal image quality independent of environmental temperature, without the need for additional mechanical components or actuators.

Implementation Method 1

the ridges are implemented to effect, by heating the ridges, deformation of the ridges and a movement of the optical structure with regard to a reference plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the first layer and the second layer include different coefficients of thermal expansion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal deformation: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS10571646B2Optical structure with ridges arranged at the same and method for producing the same

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

AI summary

An apparatus having an optical structure and ridges is described, wherein the ridges connect the optical structure to a supporting structure and wherein the optical structure is able to perform a movement in relation to a reference plane.