Adjustable Mirror Alignment for Ophthalmic Imaging Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic imaging systems face issues with light beam misalignment due to manufacturing tolerances and component movement, leading to performance deterioration over time, as they lack effective means to adjust the light beam direction accurately.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly with an adjustable attachment mechanism that allows the reflective element, such as a prism mirror, to be rotated and translated within the turret module, compensating for misalignments by adjusting its orientation and position to ensure the light beam propagates along the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional turret module with fixed optical components is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light beam alignment precision deteriorates due to manufacturing tolerances and component movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the reflective element adjustable rather than fixed. The arm carrying the reflective element can be rotated about a first axis and a second axis, and translated along the optical path, allowing dynamic adjustment to compensate for misalignment caused by manufacturing tolerances and component movement during shipping or ageing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the reflective element is made adjustable with multiple degrees of freedom, then the light beam alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the adjustment functionality into separate, independent mechanisms: rotation about the first axis, rotation about the second axis, and translation along the optical path. Each degree of freedom is controlled by a separate attachment mechanism, allowing precise alignment adjustment while maintaining modular construction that limits overall complexity.
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 adjustable mechanism minimizes the need for downstream adjustments, maintaining image quality by ensuring precise alignment of the light beam, thereby improving the performance and stability of the ophthalmic imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective element (which is mounted on the arm) and comprises a reflective surface for reflecting the light beam
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An optical assembly for optically coupling a light source and a photodetector to an optical system of an ophthalmic imaging apparatus, the optical assembly comprising: a housing through which a light beam from the light source propagates towards the optical system along an optical path, and light from an eye collected by the optical system propagates towards the photodetector along the optical path; an arm which extends into the housing and supports a reflective surface to reflect the light beam towards the optical system; and an adjustable mechanism attaching the arm to the housing and allowing the reflective surface to be adjusted by: rotation about a first axis passing through a point on the reflective surface and perpendicular to the optical path; rotation about a second axis passing through the point and perpendicular to the first axis and the optical path; and/or translation along the optical path.