Threaded Camera Head Assembly for Precise GRIN Lens Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging units, particularly those with camera heads and gradient-index lenses, face challenges in precise attachment and handling, requiring improved methods for easier assembly and alignment of optical elements.
Innovation Solution
The imaging unit incorporates a male thread on the camera head's leading end portion, a joint portion with a female thread attachment, and a gradient-index lens aligned along the longitudinal direction, allowing for precise distance adjustment and efficient light emission, with features like inclined optical fibers and heat insulation to enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gradient-index lens is attached to the camera head to enable light detection, then the imaging capability is improved, but the attachment precision requirement increases and handling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is divided into separate components (camera head and gradient-index lens) that can be independently handled and attached. The camera head contains the imaging element while the gradient-index lens is a separate attachable component, allowing for modular assembly and disassembly without requiring high precision handling of the entire unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A threaded connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the camera head and gradient-index lens. The male thread on the camera head and corresponding female thread on the lens holder provide a standardized interface that simplifies attachment while maintaining precise alignment through the threading geometry.
2Measurement precision
If the lens is attached with high precision to detect light accurately, then the measurement precision is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical attachment, ensures precise alignment, and maintains a standardized interface for repeated assembly and disassembly. This universal interface reduces assembly complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch and dimensions of the threaded connection are optimized to provide appropriate alignment precision while maintaining ease of assembly. By carefully selecting the thread parameters, the design achieves a balance between alignment accuracy and assembly simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the male thread and attachment portion are used to adjust distance, then the positioning precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection replaces more complex mechanical positioning systems (such as adjustable mounts or precision stages) with a simple screw-thread mechanism. This substitution maintains positioning precision while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the number of components required.
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 easier handling and assembly of the imaging unit, ensures precise alignment, efficient light emission, and prevents heat transfer to the observation target, enhancing the overall functionality and reliability of the imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
the optical element is a gradient-index lens extending in a longitudinal direction and configured to adjust an optical path between an observation target and the imaging unit
Implementation Method 2
a leading end portion of the optical fiber includes an emitting portion configured to be capable of emitting at least a portion of light guided from the light source in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the gradient-index lens
Data Source
AI summary
There are demands for an imaging unit that is easy to handle. An imaging unit includes an optical element that is a gradient-index lens, for example, a joint portion fixable to the optical element, and a camera head including a leading end portion that is close to the optical element and through which light from the optical element enters and light is emitted toward the optical element. A male thread is formed around the leading end portion. The joint portion includes an attachment portion into which the male thread is screwed. The leading end portion is disposed inside the joint portion. The imaging unit makes it possible to adjust the distance between the camera head and the gradient-index lens with high precision.