Aperture Alignment via Marked Diaphragm Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adjusting a diaphragm relative to the optical axis in optical measuring systems is complex and time-consuming, making precise alignment challenging.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising imaging optics, a diaphragm with a marked aperture, and a detector that images the aperture onto the detector plane, allowing for precise determination and adjustment of the diaphragm's position relative to the optical axis using a defined mark and providing immediate feedback for alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional manual adjustment methods are used for aligning the diaphragm, then the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming, but the system structure remains simple

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an optical feedback system where a detector captures the position of a mark on the diaphragm relative to the optical axis and provides real-time feedback to guide adjustment. This feedback mechanism transforms the complex manual alignment process into a guided procedure, significantly reducing adjustment time while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of imaging optics and a detector that mediates between the diaphragm and the observer. This intermediary system translates the diaphragm's position into a detectable signal, simplifying the adjustment process by providing objective measurement rather than relying on direct visual estimation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional adjustment methods are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision of diaphragm alignment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates an optical copy or image of the diaphragm's mark through the imaging optics system. This optical copy is projected onto a detector plane where its position can be precisely measured. By working with the copied image rather than directly measuring the physical diaphragm, the system achieves high measurement precision while keeping the additional device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If no visual reference is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring diaphragm position increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection difficultyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a visually distinct mark on the diaphragm that creates a detectable contrast or visual reference. This mark serves as a reference feature that is easily distinguishable under illumination, significantly reducing the difficulty of detecting and measuring diaphragm position without requiring complex sensing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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

Simplifies the adjustment process by enabling immediate feedback on the positioning state of the diaphragm relative to the optical axis, facilitating easier and more precise alignment.

Implementation Method 1

The imaging optics are designed to image the aperture onto the detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Lens

Implementation Method 2

a detector for light reflected by the diaphragm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3086151B1System and method for aligning a shutter relative to an optical axis
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 MOLLER WEDEL OPTICAL
  • EP3086151B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3086151B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3086151B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The system for aligning an aperture (15) relative to an optical axis (18) comprises an imaging optic (23, 24, 25), an aperture (15) with an aperture (16) and a detector (22) for light reflected from the aperture (15), wherein the aperture (15) has a marking (21) which has a defined position relative to the aperture (16), wherein the imaging optic (23, 24, 25) is designed to image the aperture (15) onto the detector (22), and wherein the detector (22) serves to determine the position of the marking (21) relative to the optical axis (18).