Spectroscope Lead Pin Positioning for Miniaturization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spectroscopes face challenges in accurately positioning light transmission parts within a package relative to the light entrance part, which is crucial for miniaturization and effective operation.

Innovation Solution

The spectroscope design incorporates lead pins penetrating through a support part to securely position the light transmission part relative to the light entrance part, allowing for precise alignment and electrical connection, while the spectroscopic unit is secured to the support part, either directly or with spacers, to enhance design flexibility and reduce stray light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the spectroscope is miniaturized, then the size is reduced, but the positioning accuracy of the light transmission part deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of spectroscopeVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of light transmission part
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spectroscope is divided into separate functional units: a package unit containing the light entrance part, a light detection unit with the light transmission part (slit), and a spectroscopic unit. Each unit can be manufactured and positioned independently, allowing for precise positioning of the light transmission part relative to the light entrance part even in a miniaturized configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Lead pins are introduced as intermediary elements that penetrate through the support part and are fitted into fitting parts provided with the light detection unit. These lead pins serve as both electrical connection elements and positioning elements, enabling accurate positioning of the light transmission part with respect to the light entrance part while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the light transmission part is positioned using conventional methods, then the structure is simple, but the positioning accuracy with respect to the light entrance part deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of light transmission part
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lead pins perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical connection between the light detection part and external circuits, and they serve as positioning elements that constrain the position of the light transmission part relative to the light entrance part. This multi-functionality achieves high positioning accuracy without significantly increasing structural complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The lead pins act as intermediary elements that bridge the support part and the light detection unit. By fitting into precision-made fitting parts, they transfer positioning accuracy from the support structure to the light transmission part, achieving high positioning accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables accurate positioning of the light transmission part, improves the miniaturization of spectroscopes, and enhances the stability of spectroscopic characteristics by preventing temperature fluctuations, thus improving the overall performance and design freedom.

Implementation Method 1

a spectroscopic unit supported on the support part within the package so as to be arranged on the support part side of the light detection unit. The light detection unit has a light transmission part for transmitting therethrough light incident thereon from the light entrance part, while the spectroscopic unit has a spectroscopic part for spectrally resolving the light transmitted through the light transmission part while reflecting the light to a light detection part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP2743655B1spectroscope
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP2743655B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2743655B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2743655B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A spectroscope 1A comprises a package 2 provided with a light entrance part 6, a plurality of lead pins 8 penetrating through a support part 4 opposing the light entrance part 6 in the package 2, a light detection unit 20 supported on the support part 4 within the package 2, and a spectroscopic unit 30 supported on the support part 4 within the package 2 so as to be arranged on the support part 4 side of the light detection unit 20. The light detection unit 20 has a light transmission part 22 for transmitting therethrough light L1 incident thereon from the light entrance part 6. The spectroscopic unit 30 has a spectroscopic part 35 for spectrally resolving the light L1 transmitted through the light transmission part 22 while reflecting the light to a light detection part 26. The lead pins 8 are fitted into fitting parts 29 provided with the light detection unit 20 and electrically connected to the light detection part 26.