Adjustable Optical Assembly Frictional Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting collimating optics in laser diodes for large-scale production are cumbersome due to the need for time-consuming securing processes, such as cementing, and lack a simple and efficient way to achieve a wide adjustment range and precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly with a sleeve-shaped optics carrier featuring two partial carriers connected by three axially elongate, flexible connection members that engage frictionally, allowing for axial displacement and tilting, enabling precise adjustment of optical elements like laser diodes and collimating lenses for micrometer-level positioning and angular accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional securing processes like cementing are used to fix optical elements, then the optical assembly achieves stable positioning, but the manufacturing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical carrier is divided into multiple partial carriers (first partial carrier, second partial carrier) that can be adjusted independently. Each partial carrier can be positioned and secured separately using frictional engagement, eliminating the need for time-consuming cementing processes while maintaining stable positioning. This segmentation allows for rapid adjustment and fixation of optical elements during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding process (cementing) with a mechanical frictional engagement system. The partial carriers are designed with frictional engagement mechanisms that provide stable positioning through controlled friction between mating surfaces, eliminating the need for adhesives and significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining positioning reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical elements are adjusted manually with complex tools, then precise positioning is achieved, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The partial carriers are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing them to be easily repositioned during assembly and then secured in the desired position. The frictional engagement mechanism provides a balance between adjustability (when needed) and stability (when secured), enabling precise positioning without complex adjustment tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional engagement mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting and self-securing. The partial carriers can be positioned by simple axial displacement and automatically maintain their position through frictional forces, eliminating the need for complex adjustment tools, multiple securing steps, or specialized equipment. The system serves itself by maintaining positioning through the inherent friction properties of the engaged surfaces.
3Reliability
If multiple connection points are used to secure optical elements, then positioning stability improves, but the adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical carrier is segmented into multiple independent partial carriers, each capable of axial displacement and frictional engagement. This segmentation allows each partial carrier to be adjusted independently to different positions along the optical axis while maintaining stable positioning through frictional engagement, thus providing both wide adjustment range and positioning stability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional engagement mechanism provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the partial carriers to be adjusted to various positions along the optical axis and then secured stably at each position. The system transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic adjustable design where stability is achieved through controlled friction rather than rigid fixation, enabling both wide adjustment range and reliable positioning.
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
This solution enables a simple, efficient, and precise adjustment of optical components, facilitating high-volume production of adjustable and focusable collimating optics and beamsplitters with improved rigidity and reduced manufacturing time.
Implementation Method 1
secured by frictional engagement in matching connection openings so as to be displaceable axially
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly has an optics carrier (2) which is adjustable with respect to an axis (A) and to which at least two optical elements are fixedly connected, with the optics carrier (2) including at least two partial carriers (5a, 5b), each of which secures an optical element, and with the two partial carriers (5a, 5b) being connected to one another by at least three axially elongate, flexible connection members (6) which are spaced apart in a plane and secured by frictional engagement in corresponding associated connection openings (8) so as to be displaceable axially.