Telecentric Lens Structure With Integrated Optical Path Trimming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telecentric optical apparatuses with lenses on both object and image sides require a high number of components and precise optical alignment, leading to issues like deterioration of telecentricity and decreased image sharpness due to misalignment.

Innovation Solution

A telecentric optical apparatus with a first and second telecentric lens surface and an optical path trimming part outside the light passing region, which refracts or diffuses unnecessary light beams, reducing the need for a telecentric aperture and facilitating precise alignment through fitting or integrated lens parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a telecentric aperture is provided at the focus position to prevent unnecessary light beams from contributing to image formation, then telecentricity is improved, but the number of components increases and optical alignment becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetelecentricityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the aperture function from a separate component and integrates it into the lens structure itself. The lens is designed with an annular light-shielding part that directly blocks unnecessary light beams, eliminating the need for a separate telecentric aperture component while maintaining the light-blocking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the light-shielding function with the lens structure by incorporating an annular light-shielding part into the lens. This combination integrates multiple functions (focusing and light blocking) into a single component, reducing the total number of components and simplifying optical alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If a telecentric aperture is provided at the focus position to prevent unnecessary light beams from contributing to image formation, then telecentricity is improved, but optical alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetelecentricityVSAvoidoptical alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light-shielding function with the lens structure by incorporating an annular light-shielding part into the lens. This combination integrates multiple functions (focusing and light blocking) into a single component, reducing the total number of components and simplifying optical alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens is segmented into different functional parts: a central light-transmitting region for image-forming light beams and an annular light-shielding part for blocking unnecessary light beams. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining precise optical alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple components are used to achieve telecentric optical system, then telecentricity can be corrected, but the complexity of the optical system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetelecentricity correctionVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light-shielding function with the lens structure by incorporating an annular light-shielding part into the lens. This combination integrates multiple functions (focusing and light blocking) into a single component, reducing the total number of components and simplifying optical alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens is designed to perform multiple functions: focusing light beams onto the image sensor and simultaneously blocking unnecessary light beams through its annular light-shielding part. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall optical system.

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

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 solution maintains good telecentricity and image sharpness while minimizing component count and ensuring precise optical axis alignment, simplifying the optical system configuration.

Implementation Method 1

the optical path trimming part changes an optical path so that a light beam incident on the outside region is prevented from contributing to image formation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the optical path trimming part may include a roughened surface that diffuses a light beam incident on the outside region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4325259B1Telecentric optical apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 MITUTOYO CORP
  • EP4325259B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4325259B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4325259B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A telecentric optical apparatus that is capable of suppressing an increase in the number of components as well as achieving high precision optical axis alignment, is provided. The telecentric optical apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that it is provided with: a first telecentric lens surface that is provided on an object side; a second telecentric lens surface that is provided on an image side and that shares a focus position with the first telecentric lens surface; and an optical path trimming part that is provided, between the first telecentric lens surface and the second telecentric lens surface, in an outside region, which is located on a side further out than a light passing region having a center thereof located at the focus position, and that changes an optical path such that a light beam incident on the outside region is prevented from contributing to image formation.