Automated Pancake Lens Assembly with Optical Center and Polarimetric Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for assembling pancake lens assemblies in optical devices face high manufacturing costs, quality control issues, and long cycle times due to the need for precise alignment of polarization-sensitive optical elements, leading to a high failure rate and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated system for assembling and testing optical lenses that includes optical center and polarimetric measurements, adjustments, and re-assembly processes to ensure precise alignment, using sub-systems with laser emitters and image capturing devices to adjust and validate the alignment of lenses before final assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional equipment is used to achieve precise alignment of optical elements, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive conventional mechanical alignment equipment with an automated measurement and adjustment system that uses optical centers measurement and polarimetric measurements to achieve precise alignment. The system automatically adjusts lens cells based on measurement data, eliminating the need for costly manual alignment equipment while maintaining high precision standards.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional assembly methods are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but productivity decreases due to long cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of optical centers and polarimetric properties before final assembly. By pre-adjusting lens cells based on these measurements, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming post-assembly alignment adjustments, thereby reducing overall cycle time while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated measurement and adjustment system enables the assembly process to self-correct alignment issues without requiring expensive external equipment or manual intervention. The system measures, evaluates, and adjusts components autonomously, streamlining the manufacturing process and improving productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional assembly methods are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability decreases due to high failure rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback loops where measurement results from optical centers and polarimetric measurements directly inform adjustment actions. This closed-loop control ensures that alignment specifications are precisely met, reducing the failure rate of pancake lens assemblies while maintaining cost-effectiveness through automated rather than manual processes.
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 system reduces manufacturing and quality control costs, decreases cycle time, and minimizes the failure rate of optical assemblies by enabling precise adjustments and re-assembly of lenses to meet predetermined optical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first sub-system including at least one of a laser emitter and an image capturing device
Implementation Method 2
a first sub-system including at least one of a laser emitter and an image capturing device
Implementation Method 3
a second sub-system including at least one of a laser emitter and a photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling a first lens and a second lens is provided. The method includes performing an optical center measurement for at least one of the first lens or the second lens, and performing an optical center adjustment when the optical center measurement does not satisfy a predetermined optical center condition. The method also includes performing a polarimetric measurement for at least one of the first lens or the second lens, and performing a polarimetric angle adjustment when the polarimetric measurement does not satisfy a predetermined polarimetric condition. The method further includes assembling the first lens and the second lens to form an optical assembly.