Ring Illumination Device with Adjustable Lens Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ring-shaped illumination apparatuses for FA applications face challenges in accommodating various field of view and work distance requirements, leading to increased costs and reduced reliability due to limitations in lens and light emitting device variations.

Innovation Solution

A ring-shaped illumination apparatus with a holding portion that maintains a predetermined positional relationship between light emitting devices and lenses, using a pressing mechanism with an elastic heat conducting sheet and a power supply system integrated within the casings to allow for flexible positioning and power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple variations of lenses and light emitting devices are prepared to adapt to different field of view and work distance requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different field of view and work distanceVSAvoidcomplexity of lens and light emitting device variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the optical system adjustable by allowing the lens to move along the optical axis relative to the light emitting device. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same illumination apparatus to adapt to different work distances and field of view requirements without requiring multiple fixed configurations, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention separates the lens and light emitting device into independently movable components. The lens can be adjusted relative to the light emitting device through a positioning mechanism, allowing flexible configuration without moving the entire illumination apparatus. This segmentation enables adaptability while keeping the overall device structure simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple variations of illumination apparatus are produced to meet different specifications, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelineup of different specificationsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention designs a universal illumination apparatus that can perform multiple functions by adjusting the relative position between the lens and light emitting device. A single apparatus can serve different applications (different field of view and work distance) through internal adjustment, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized variations, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By incorporating an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows the lens to move relative to the light emitting device, the invention creates a dynamically configurable universal apparatus. This single multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple static variants, achieving cost-effective adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the illumination apparatus is designed for specific configurations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical accuracyVSAvoidflexibility in positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines fixed precision mounting structures with an adjustable positioning mechanism. The light emitting device is firmly fixed to maintain optical accuracy, while the lens can be adjusted relative to it. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different requirements without compromising the precision of the optical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the mounting system into a fixed base structure and an adjustable component. The light emitting device is mounted with high precision on a stable base, while the lens is positioned adjustably relative to this fixed reference. This segmentation maintains manufacturing precision for critical components while enabling adaptability through controlled movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables a lineup of different specifications without increasing costs or reducing reliability, ensuring effective image capture across various applications by maintaining optical accuracy and preventing lens drop during use.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic heat conducting sheet and a power supply system integrated within the casings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2642179B1Illumination device
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 OMRON CORP
  • EP2642179B1 patent drawingFigure 20~21
  • EP2642179B1 patent drawingFigure 22
  • EP2642179B1 patent drawingFigure 23~24

AI summary

An illumination apparatus includes a plurality of lenses (200), a first casing (100) that has a radiation plane provided with a plurality of annularly arranged windows for attaching the plurality of lenses, respectively, independently, and that has an opening at a position opposite to the radiation plane, and a first substrate (300) associated with each of the plurality of lenses and accordingly disposed. The first substrate has at least one light emitting device mounted thereon. The first casing includes a holding portion associated with each of the plurality of windows. The holding portion each permits the lens to be attached to the first casing from a side thereof having the opening and also restrains the lens from moving through the first casing toward the radiation plane, and when the lens is attached to the first casing, the lens has an optical axis in a direction having a predetermined angle relative to a center axis of the first casing.