Atomic Sensor Self-Alignment for Precise Shock-Stable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atomic clock manufacturing methods require laborious manual alignment of optical and electrical components, which is costly and prone to errors due to shock and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A self-alignment mechanism using guide holes and alignment pins to attach atomic sensor components to a center structure-cell, allowing for precise and efficient assembly of atomic sensors without manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual alignment methods are used to assemble atomic clock components, then flexibility and adjustability are maintained, but manufacturing cost increases and labor time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-machined alignment features (guide holes, alignment pins, recesses, pedestals) during the manufacturing stage. These features are预先 prepared on the housing and component housings to enable automatic self-alignment during assembly, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while reducing manufacturing cost and labor time
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment mechanism is designed to be self-aligning, where components automatically find their correct positions through the interaction of guide holes, alignment pins, recesses, and pedestals. The system serves itself by using the structural features built into the components to achieve precise alignment without external intervention or complex adjustment procedures
2Productivity
If manual alignment adjustment is performed after assembly, then component alignment can be optimized, but manufacturing time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features such as guide holes, alignment pins, recesses, and pedestals are pre-machined into the housing and component housings during the manufacturing process. This preliminary preparation enables components to self-align automatically during assembly, achieving both high assembly speed and high alignment precision without requiring post-assembly manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with a mechanical self-alignment system. The interaction between guide holes, alignment pins, recesses, and pedestals creates a deterministic mechanical guidance system that automatically positions components with high precision, substituting the need for operator skill and time-consuming manual adjustment
3Reliability
If components are permanently affixed using self-alignment mechanism, then stability against shock and vibration improves, but ease of repair and reassembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The atomic clock is divided into modular components (housing, component housings, optical components, electrical components) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each component has its own alignment features that work together to maintain stability during operation while allowing for systematic reassembly during repair, balancing reliability with ease of maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided self-aligning components of an atomic sensor including a first cover, a second cover, a structure-cell including a structure and a cell, containing a vapor of atoms, in the structure. Atomic sensor components are aligned in a cover in which they are form fitted into a recess or mounted on a surface of a pedestal. Each cover is aligned with the structure-cell or component(s) therein using guide holes in each of the cover and the structure-cell into each of which an alignment pin is inserted. Due to such alignments, each component is self-aligned with respect another component or to a region of the structure-cell, e.g., the cell or an atomic vapor in the cell.