Adjustable Alignment Mount for Precision Optical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alignment mounts lack a combination of precision, ease of adjustment, and ruggedized locking, making them unsuitable for applications that require stability under varying conditions and potential shocks or vibrations, as they either lack adjustability or are difficult to install and adjust.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable alignment mount featuring a fixture and base coupled with kinematic and adjustable couplings that allow for precise adjustment and locking of component orientation, using kinematic ball/cone and ball/vee couplings to provide stability and ease of adjustment, with an adjustable coupling to adjust the separation distance between the fixture and base, enabling rotation and locking of the fixture relative to the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard gravity, magnetic, or spring held kinematic mounts are used, then high precision alignment is achieved, but the mounts become delicate and unstable under shocks and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is divided into distinct functional segments: a fixture portion holding the component, a base portion providing support, and separate coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the kinematic couplings provide precision while the adjustable coupling provides stability, resolving the contradiction between precision and robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount transitions from static rigid connections to dynamic adjustable connections. The adjustable coupling allows the separation distance between fixture and base to be modified, enabling the system to adapt to different conditions and maintain stability under varying external forces while preserving alignment precision.
2Reliability
If precision lapped shims with fasteners are used, then stability under motion is improved, but installation and adjustment become time consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable coupling introduces dynamic adjustability to the system, allowing quick modification of the separation distance between fixture and base without time-consuming shim adjustments. This maintains stability under motion while dramatically improving ease of installation and re-adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows easy change of the separation distance parameter through the adjustable coupling mechanism, enabling rapid adjustment of the mount's geometric parameters without complex procedures, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If bonding methods are used, then stability under harsh conditions is achieved, but future adjustments become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable coupling provides a dynamic, reversible connection that maintains stability under harsh conditions while allowing future adjustments. This resolves the contradiction by providing a non-permanent but stable connection mechanism that can be modified when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount allows preliminary alignment and adjustment to be performed before final installation, and permits re-adjustment if future conditions change. This preliminary action capability, combined with stable coupling, resolves the contradiction between achieving stability and retaining adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable couplings are added to provide adjustment capability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional elements: kinematic couplings for precision positioning and an adjustable coupling for separation distance control. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function with minimal complexity, avoiding the need for a single complex mechanism that would provide all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable coupling serves multiple functions: it controls the separation distance, provides adjustment capability, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A ruggedized adjustable mounting system is described for adjustably coupling and selectively locking a component supported in a fixture of the mount in a desired orientation. In some embodiments, the mounting system includes one or more kinematic couplings that support a fixture on a base and one or more adjustable couplings that are configured to adjust a separation distance between two opposing portions of the fixture and the base to selectively pivot the fixture about one or more axes of rotation.