Optical Unit Connection Using Extensible Tube and Biasing Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection structures between optical units and optical path tubes require cumbersome operations such as bolting and unbolting, which complicates the attachment and detachment processes, especially when the optical units are movable, necessitating a simpler and more efficient method for connecting and disconnecting these components.
Innovation Solution
A detachable connection structure utilizing an extensible tube with a flange and biasing elements, such as plungers, that allows for easy attachment and detachment by compressing the extensible tube to adjust the length of the optical path tube, ensuring secure sealing and precise positioning without the need for complex bolting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bolting connection structure is used between optical unit and optical path tube, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the attachment and detachment operations become cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into modular components: a flange with receiving grooves on the optical path tube and a corresponding flange receiving part on the optical unit. This segmentation allows for simple engagement and disengagement while maintaining secure connection through the grooves and protrusions design.
Solution Approach 2:
A biasing part (spring) is introduced as an intermediary element to automatically maintain connection force between the flange and flange receiving part. The spring provides continuous pushing force to ensure reliable sealing and positioning without requiring manual bolting operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical path tube is made extensible to accommodate movable optical units, then the adaptability increases, but the sealing properties may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path tube incorporates an extensible tube portion that can flexibly change length to accommodate movements of the optical unit. This flexible tube design maintains sealing integrity while allowing for positional adjustments, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path tube is segmented into a rigid portion and an extensible portion. The rigid portion maintains structural integrity and sealing, while the extensible portion provides flexibility for movement accommodation. This segmentation allows both sealing reliability and adaptability to be achieved simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If a simple connection structure is used without bolting, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flange connection structure with biasing part enables self-positioning and self-aligning during attachment. The biasing force automatically pushes the flange into proper engagement with the receiving grooves, ensuring precise positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing part acts as a mediator that ensures precise engagement between the flange and flange receiving part. By providing controlled pushing force, it guides the components into accurate positioning while maintaining simple operation, thus achieving both ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
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 simplifies the connection process, enhances sealing properties, and allows for precise alignment and detachment of optical path tubes, reducing operational complexity and improving reliability in movable optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
an extensible tube (72) constituting at least a part of the optical path tube (71), and extensible in a tube axis direction
Implementation Method 2
a biasing part configured to bias at least a part of the optical path tube in a direction in which the extensible tube extends
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit and an optical path tube are easily connected. A structure of connection between a side surface (1a) of the optical unit and the optical path tube includes: an extensible tube (72) constituting at least a part of the optical path tube, the extensible tube being extensible in a tube axis direction; a flange (26) attached to one end of the optical path tube; a flange receiving part (20) provided on the optical unit, the flange receiving part (20) receiving a front surface (26a) of the flange (26), the front surface (26a) of the flange (26) being an end surface on an open side; and a biasing part (23, 72) configured to bias at least a part of the optical path tube in a direction in which the extensible tube (72) extends.