Prism Fixing Method Using Positioning Members and Grooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for fixing prisms, such as dichroic prisms, often result in tilting due to non-uniform adhesive layers, especially for larger prisms where machining seating surfaces is difficult, leading to erroneous application and instability.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming seating surfaces with a groove portion and using first and second positioning members to ensure precise alignment and uniform adhesive application, preventing adhesive from reaching these surfaces and ensuring the prism stands upright by using a jig with openings for positioning members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple seating surfaces and adhesive reservoirs are provided to ensure uniform adhesive distribution, then prism tilting is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases due to difficult machining of seating surfaces for large prisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprism fixing stabilityVSAvoidmachining difficulty of seating surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A positioning member with positioning protrusions is introduced as an intermediary element between the prism and the base. The positioning protrusions fit into corresponding recesses on the prism, providing mechanical alignment and support that prevents tilting without requiring complex machining of multiple seating surfaces on the prism itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing function is segmented between the positioning member (which provides alignment and support) and the adhesive (which provides bonding). This segmentation allows the positioning member to handle the alignment task through simple geometric features, while the adhesive handles the bonding task, avoiding the need for complex integrated seating surface structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If seating surfaces are machined for precise alignment, then prism positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprism positioning accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning protrusions and recesses are pre-formed on the positioning member and prism respectively, establishing the precise relative position before adhesive application. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for time-consuming precision machining of seating surfaces during the main assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning member serves as an intermediary that provides precise positioning through simple geometric features (protrusions and recesses) rather than requiring complex machined seating surfaces on the prism, significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If adhesive is applied directly to the prism surface, then application is simple, but adhesive may reach seating surfaces causing erroneous positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive application simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning member with positioning protrusions acts as a physical barrier and guide that prevents adhesive from reaching the seating surfaces. The protrusions create a defined boundary that keeps adhesive application simple while ensuring precise positioning by blocking adhesive flow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3472653B1Optical device, optical unit, display device, and prism fixing method
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3472653B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3472653B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3472653B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6A

AI summary

An optical device includes a rectangular parallelepiped prism including a reflection-transmission surface for reflecting and transmitting light fluxes, a seating surface provided so that a bottom surface of the prism is fixed by an adhesive, and a groove portion provided in a part of the periphery of the seating surface. When the prism is fixed to the seating surface by the adhesive, the groove portion is configured to be capable of receiving the adhesive protruded from between the bottom surface of the prism and the seating surface when the prism is pressed against a first positioning member for determining a position of the prism so that a first side face of the prism is along a predetermined straight line and against a second positioning member for restricting a second side face orthogonal to the first side face of the prism from moving in the direction of the straight line.