Self-centering cylinder cam for small optical systems
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE602022012320
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-05-24
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-05-25
AI Technical Summary
Small-scale opto-mechanical devices face challenges in preventing backlash when converting rotational motion to linear motion, as existing solutions like precision servos and anti-backlash gears are not feasible at this scale, and tighter tolerances only provide an acceptable but not reliable solution.
The implementation of an auto-center barrel cam system using two oppositely tapered cam paths with a double tapered cam follower and a flexure spring, ensuring consistent movement by maintaining the follower centered within both cam paths, regardless of rotational direction.
This solution allows for looser tolerances and prevents binding, ensuring precise and reliable movement in small devices by using the elastic spring to compensate for imperfect cam path walls, effectively reducing backlash.