Tunable Filter Holder with Damping Gel for Shock Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opto-mechanical units with tunable filters face challenges in withstanding mechanical loads such as drops and shocks without compromising the optical axis or damaging the camera, as they lack effective damping mechanisms to absorb these impacts.
Innovation Solution
An opto-mechanical unit incorporating a tunable filter surrounded by a holder with mechanically-damping and gluing gel, which is spaced apart and attached to the holder and filter, creating a gap to prevent direct contact and using conductors for electrical coupling, along with additional damping elements like foam or springs to absorb mechanical loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the holder is placed close to the tunable filter for compact design, then the device size is reduced, but the optical axis may be obscured and mechanical damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder includes a camera interface that acts as an intermediary structure between the camera and the tunable filter. This interface defines a first inner space for receiving the camera while introducing a gap between the tunable filter and the camera, preventing direct contact and obscuration of the optical axis while maintaining compact integration
2Stability of the object's composition
If the holder contacts the tunable filter directly for structural support, then mechanical stability is improved, but mechanical loads such as drops and shocks can damage the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is spaced apart from the tunable filter by a distance ranging between 10 and 500 micrometers, creating a protective gap that cushions the filter against mechanical loads such as drops and shocks before these forces can directly damage the filter components
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanically-damping and gluing gel acts as a flexible intermediary material that surrounds the tunable filter and is attached to both the holder and the filter. This gel provides mechanical damping to absorb shock while maintaining the spaced-apart configuration
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanically-damping gel is applied to all surfaces of the tunable filter, then mechanical protection is maximized, but the optical path may be obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanically-damping and gluing gel is applied selectively to specific surfaces of the tunable filter rather than all surfaces. The gel is attached to the sidewalls and spaced from the optical surfaces, providing localized mechanical protection while maintaining optical clarity in the optical path
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 effectively dampens mechanical loads, preventing damage to the tunable filter and camera while maintaining the optical axis integrity, ensuring the opto-mechanical unit's durability and functionality under mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
mechanically-damping and gluing gel surrounds the tunable filter and may be attached to the holder and to the tunable filter
Implementation Method 2
mechanically-damping and gluing gel forms a rectangular frame between the holder and the tunable filter
Data Source
AI summary
An opto-mechanical unit that comprises a tunable filter, a holder that surrounds the tunable filter, and mechanically-damping and gluing gel; wherein the holder is spaced apart from the tunable filter; wherein the mechanically-damping and gluing gel surrounds the tunable filter and is attached to the holder and to the tunable filter; and wherein the holder comprises a camera interface that (a) defines a first inner space, and (b) introduces a gap between the tunable filter and the camera interface.