Prism Cover Member for Suction Handling of Singulated Image Acquisition Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image-acquisition devices with intersecting light entry and inclined reflection surfaces are difficult to handle and fabricate in a singulated form due to the inclined nature of the reflection surfaces, making suction-based handling challenging.
Innovation Solution
An image-acquisition device is designed with a prism having an entrance surface perpendicular to the optical axis, an exit surface parallel to the image-acquisition surface, and a reflection surface that deflects light 90°, along with a cover member that covers the reflection surface and has an outer surface parallel to the image-acquisition surface, allowing for easy suction handling and protection during singulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a prism with an inclined reflection surface is used to deflect light at 90 degrees, then the light deflection function is achieved, but the device becomes difficult to handle by suction after cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the prism for light deflection and the cover member for handling. The cover member is attached to the prism to provide a separate handling interface that does not interfere with the optical function, allowing suction handling without compromising the inclined reflection surface geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member acts as an intermediary between the inclined prism and the handling system. It provides a flat outer surface that can be easily engaged by suction devices, while the inclined reflection surface inside remains unchanged and functional for light deflection
2Ease of manufacture
If the reflection surface is disposed in an inclined manner to intersect the optical axis, then light deflection is achieved, but the device becomes difficult to fabricate in singulated form
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the optical function (prism) from the handling function (cover member), the fabrication process can be optimized for each component independently. The cover member can be attached after singulation, allowing the prism to be fabricated with precise inclined surfaces while the cover provides a standard interface for post-fabrication handling
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member is attached to the prism before the singulation cutting process. This preliminary attachment creates a unified structure that can be handled and positioned accurately during cutting, ensuring that the inclined reflection surface maintains its precision while enabling easy singulation
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 design enables efficient fabrication and handling of singulated image-acquisition devices by preventing damage to the reflection and entrance surfaces during cutting and handling, while also enhancing light collection and reducing stray light through the use of light-blocking members and air layers.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection surface that deflects the light that has entered through the entrance surface toward a direction that is parallel to the optical axis of the image-acquisition element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image-acquisition device including an image acquisition element; a prism that is secured to the image-acquisition element and that has an entrance surface through which light enters from a direction that intersects an optical axis of the image-acquisition element, an exit surface that is substantially parallel to an image-acquisition surface of the image-acquisition element, and a reflection surface that deflects the light that has entered through the entrance surface toward a direction that is parallel to the optical axis of the image-acquisition element; and a cover member that is secured at a position that covers the reflection surface of the prism and that has an outer surface that is substantially parallel to the image-acquisition surface, wherein an end surface of the cover member closer to the entrance surface is disposed at a position protruding beyond the entrance surface.