Adjustable Lens Mount With Radial Flexure Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens mounts face challenges in achieving a balance between lateral stiffness, natural frequency, and adjustment sensitivity, often resulting in complex and asymmetrical constructions that are unsuitable for symmetrical systems and prone to system instabilities, with limitations in material loading and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable lens mount divided by material cuts in an annular body into a stationary outer mount ring, a laterally adjustable inner mount ring, and connection structures with strategically arranged flexure bearings and levers, allowing for radial stiffness enhancement and sensitivity variation through optimized flexure bearing placement and lever length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If articulated arms are shortened to increase lateral stiffness, then lateral stiffness and natural frequency are improved, but adjustment sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a coupling member with first and second coupling ends, a lever with first and second lever ends, and flexure bearings positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the coupling member for stiffness, the lever for sensitivity, and flexure bearings for controlled flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radial dimension for flexure bearing placement, positioning the first flexure bearing at a first radial distance and the second flexure bearing at a second radial distance from the rotation axis. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to achieve both high lateral stiffness (through shorter coupling member) and high adjustment sensitivity (through lever mechanism with appropriate arm lengths) simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If articulated arms are made thinner and longer to improve adjustment sensitivity, then adjustment sensitivity is improved, but lateral stiffness and natural frequency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a coupling member with first and second coupling ends, a lever with first and second lever ends, and flexure bearings positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the coupling member for stiffness, the lever for sensitivity, and flexure bearings for controlled flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have different structural properties optimized for their specific functions. The coupling member is designed with appropriate thickness and length for lateral stiffness, while the lever is designed with specific arm lengths for sensitivity. Flexure bearings are positioned at specific radial distances to provide localized flexibility where needed while maintaining overall structural rigidity.
3Device complexity
If manipulator units are arranged radially one behind the other to simplify construction, then construction complexity is reduced, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by positioning flexure bearings at different radial distances from the rotation axis. The first flexure bearing is arranged at a first radial distance and the second flexure bearing at a second radial distance, allowing the manipulator units to be compactly arranged without requiring excessive radial space, thus reducing the overall volume while maintaining simplified construction.
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 provides increased lateral stiffness and reduced natural frequency while maintaining adjustment sensitivity, with a compact design that minimizes radial extension and maximizes inner mount ring width, utilizing projections for tool holder receptacles without enlarging the outer mount ring.
Implementation Method 1
The lever (7) is connected via a second flexure bearing (5.2) to a second coupling end (6.2) of the coupling member (6) and is connected between a free first lever end (7.1) and a second lever end (7.2) to the outer mount ring (1) via a third flexure bearing (5.3)
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable lens mount with an outer mount ring, a laterally adjustable inner mount ring and at least two connection structures. The at least two connection structures communicate in each instance with a manipulator with a radial acting axis. The connection structures in each instance have a coupling member and a lever connected therewith. The coupling member is connected to the inner mount ring farther radially outside than the lever is connected to the outer mount ring.