Motor Vehicle Sensor Lens Centering and Light Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens devices for optoelectronic sensors in motor vehicles suffer from open side areas that allow scattered light to enter, and the holding frames cannot compensate for dimensional changes due to temperature fluctuations or manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A lens device with a receiving lens supported by a frame and held in place by a fastening device featuring a holding frame and a spring element that provides a spring force in multiple directions, centering the lens and compensating for dimensional changes, while also shielding the side areas from optical radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receiving lens is held on the support device with a holding frame, then the lens is secured in position, but the side areas remain open to scattered light and cannot compensate for dimensional changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function and the shielding function into a single integrated holding frame structure. The holding frame simultaneously secures the receiving lens in position and provides optical shielding for the side areas, eliminating the need for separate masking components and resolving the contradiction between secure positioning and scattered light prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding frame is designed to perform multiple functions: it mechanically secures the lens, provides optical shielding, and compensates for dimensional changes through spring elements. This multi-functional design allows a single component to address multiple problems that would otherwise require separate solutions.
2Reliability
If the holding frame is made rigid to secure the lens firmly, then positioning is stable, but the frame cannot compensate for dimensional changes due to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spring elements into the holding frame structure, transforming it from a rigid static component to a dynamic system that can adapt. The spring elements provide elastic deformation capability, allowing the frame to expand and contract with temperature changes while maintaining secure lens positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between firm securing and temperature compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding frame utilizes changes in spring compression/extension parameters to adapt to dimensional changes caused by temperature fluctuations. The spring elements change their mechanical state dynamically, maintaining constant lens securing force despite variations in ambient temperature and material expansion.
3Manufacturing precision
If the spring element provides strong spring force to center the lens, then positioning precision is improved, but the fastening device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spring elements directly into the holding frame structure, combining the centering function with the existing fastening components. This integration avoids adding separate complex centering mechanisms and achieves precise lens centering through the natural elastic properties of the spring elements within the unified frame structure.
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 prevents scattered light from entering the sensor and ensures reliable operation by centering and securing the lens, while accommodating temperature changes and manufacturing tolerances, thus enhancing the performance and durability of the optoelectronic sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a fastening device, by means of which the receiving lens is held on the support device with a spring force acting in a first direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a lens device (6) for an optoelectronic sensor (1) of a motor vehicle comprising a receiving lens (8), having a support unit (9) on which a rear side (10) of the receiving lens (8) abuts in regions, and having a securing unit (12) by means of which the receiving lens (8) is retained on the support unit (9) by means of a spring force acting in a first direction (z), wherein the securing unit (12) comprises a retaining frame (15) which surrounds the receiving lens (8) at least in regions, and at least one spring element (16) which supports the receiving lens (8) with respect to the retaining frame (15) in at least one second direction (x, y) that is different from the first direction (z).