Segmented Quartz Wavelength Plate for Thermal Stress Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polarization conversion devices face challenges with heat resistance and weather resistance due to the use of quartz plates, which can lead to adhesive deterioration and thermal expansion issues, and are difficult to manufacture in large sizes due to the limitations of quartz crystal ingots.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength plate configuration using two quartz plate units with jointed quartz plates, where the joint positions of the second unit differ from the first, enhancing strength and allowing for larger sizes without additional supporting members, and using a light-transmissive adhesive to secure the plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wavelength plate is formed by superposing two sheets of quartz plates to enhance heat resistance and weather resistance, then heat resistance and weather resistance are improved, but adhesive deterioration occurs due to heat and thermal expansion coefficient differences
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength plate is divided into multiple quartz plate units (first, second, and third units) that are joined together. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain heat resistance while distributing thermal stress across multiple joints, preventing adhesive deterioration that would occur in a single large plate.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the wavelength plate have different structural characteristics. The quartz plate units are arranged with specific joint positions, creating local variations in the structure that accommodate thermal expansion differences and reduce stress concentration at adhesive joints.
2Area of stationary object
If a large-sized wavelength plate is manufactured by preparing a large crystal ingot of quartz, then the size is increased, but the cost becomes high and it becomes difficult to prepare
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large quartz crystal ingot, the invention divides the wavelength plate into multiple smaller quartz plate units that are joined together. This allows manufacturing with smaller, more readily available crystal ingots while achieving the desired large overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple smaller quartz plate units are combined through joining to form a large-sized wavelength plate. This merging approach achieves the functional equivalence of a large single plate while avoiding the manufacturing difficulties and high costs of producing a single large crystal ingot.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple divided quartz plates are positioned and attached to form a large-sized wavelength plate, then the size is increased, but additional supporting members are required
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength plate is segmented into multiple quartz plate units with specific joint positions. The segmentation is designed so that the joints themselves provide structural support, eliminating the need for additional supporting members that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The joints between quartz plate units serve dual functions: they optically connect the plates to maintain wavelength plate functionality while also providing mechanical support and structural stability, eliminating the need for separate supporting members.
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 configuration improves heat resistance and allows for the production of larger wavelength plates with enhanced strength and reduced costs, while avoiding the need for additional supporting members and minimizing adhesive-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength plate which changes a polarization direction of light which passes through the wavelength plate
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength plate includes: a first quartz plate unit including a plurality of quartz plates which have main surfaces disposed in the same plane and are jointed with each other; and a second quartz plate unit including a plurality of quartz plates which have main surfaces disposed on a main surface of the first quartz plate unit and are jointed with each other in a position different from a joint position of the first quartz plate unit.