Cam-Controlled Optical Element Alignment for Compact Beam Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems require multiple drives to adjust optical elements repeatedly, leading to high space requirements and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatable main body and a cam control mechanism that allows the optical element to be adjusted independently of the main body's rotational position, using a single drive to control both the rotation and inclination of the optical element, reducing space requirements and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drives are used to control optical element position and alignment, then the adjustment capability is improved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive functions into a single drive mechanism. The holder assembly integrates both the first drive (for rotating the main body) and the second drive (for inclining the holder), allowing one drive to control both the rotational position of the main body and the inclination angle of the holder, thereby reducing the number of separate drives needed and minimizing space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is nested within the main body structure, with the holder's inclination mechanism positioned inside or on the surface of the main body. This nested arrangement allows the second drive to be housed within the spatial envelope of the first drive, maximizing space utilization and reducing the overall footprint of the drive system
2Measurement precision
If multiple drives are used to adjust optical element, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive mechanisms into a single integrated drive system. The controller manages both the rotational positioning of the main body and the inclination adjustment of the holder through one unified drive interface, reducing the complexity associated with coordinating multiple independent drives while maintaining precise positioning capability through centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control where the single drive can selectively perform different functions (rotating main body or inclining holder) based on operational requirements. The drive mechanism is designed to dynamically switch between controlling the rotational position and the inclination angle, providing flexible precision adjustment without the complexity of permanently coupled multiple drives
3Adaptability or versatility
If cam control encircles main body, then the independence of inclination adjustment is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam control is segmented into discrete cam profiles, each corresponding to specific inclination angles. The holder can engage with different cam segments to achieve predetermined inclination positions, allowing independent adjustment of the holder's angle relative to the beam axis while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular cam design
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
Enables efficient, space-saving adjustment of optical elements with reduced structural space and simplified control, facilitating applications in optical systems like illumination detection devices and microscopes.
Implementation Method 1
A respective (current) inclination can be adjusted by means of a cam control. The cam control is constructed and arranged such that it partially or completely encircles the main body.
Data Source
AI summary
A device aligns an optical element in an optical beam path. The device has a main body which has a free beam passage along a beam axis, wherein the main body can be rotated about the beam axis; a holder for holding the optical element on the beam axis, wherein the holder can be inclined in controlled fashion relative to the beam axis by an angle selected from a predetermined angular range in that by a cam control, which partially or completely encircles the main body and is decoupled from a rotational position of the main body, a current inclination of the holder can be adjusted. An arrangement has such a device and a microscope has such an arrangement.