Adjustable Aperture Device with Integral Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional adjustable aperture devices for electromagnetic radiation detecting apparatuses are complex and costly to manufacture, requiring precise adjustment of aperture slits which is typically achieved through solid-state hinges in silicon substrates, leading to high production expenses.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable aperture device with a position adjustment body, guide unit, aperture body, pre-loading element, and drive unit, where the position adjustment body is engaged in engagement sections of the aperture body to select from multiple aperture holes, allowing precise positioning without misalignment, and decoupling the drive unit's operation from the positioning mechanism to maintain accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If solid-state hinges in silicon substrates are used for precise aperture adjustment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture position accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a drive unit for actuation and a positioning mechanism with engagement sections for precise location holding. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A positioning mechanism with engagement sections acts as an intermediary between the drive unit and the aperture. This intermediary component decouples the drive unit's operation from the final positioning accuracy, allowing the aperture to be positioned precisely through mechanical engagement rather than relying solely on complex drive unit control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If solid-state hinges in silicon substrates are used for aperture adjustment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture position accuracyVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning mechanism uses simpler, more cost-effective materials and structures compared to solid-state silicon hinges. The engagement sections provide precise positioning through mechanical means that can be manufactured more economically, sacrificing the longevity of silicon components for reduced production cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex solid-state silicon mechanical systems with a hybrid approach combining simple mechanical drive elements and engagement sections. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive silicon micromachining while achieving comparable positioning accuracy through conventional manufacturing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the position adjustment body is engaged in engagement sections, then positioning accuracy is maintained independent of drive unit performance, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy independenceVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement sections are pre-configured at specific positions along the aperture's travel path. As the drive unit moves the aperture, the engagement sections automatically capture the aperture at predetermined positions, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring complex real-time control or feedback from the drive unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning mechanism is self-regulating through the engagement sections that automatically engage with the position adjustment body at the correct positions. This self-service mechanism ensures accurate positioning independent of drive unit variations without requiring external control systems or complex coordination between components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9786400B2Adjustable aperture device with integral aperture holes

Publication Date: 2017.10.10 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An adjustable aperture device for an electromagnetic radiation detecting apparatus includes a position adjustment body configured for adjusting a position of a selected aperture hole of multiple selectable aperture holes, where electromagnetic radiation propagates through the selected aperture hole. The adjustable aperture device further includes a guide unit configured for guiding the position adjustment body along a predefined guide direction, and an aperture body defining the aperture holes and including multiple engagement sections, where the adjustment body is engagable in a selectable one of the engagement sections to thereby select the selected aperture hole. The adjustable aperture device further includes a pre-loading element configured for pre-loading the position adjustment body towards the aperture body, and a drive unit configured for driving the aperture body to move so that the position adjustment body is engaged in a respective one of the plurality of engagement sections.