Collimated Vision System Optical Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing process for unity power vision-assisting devices, such as monoculars, is inefficient in achieving the desired degree of collimation between the input and output optical axes, requiring iterative adjustments and resecuring of components.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising an optical frame with an objective lens assembly, an eyepiece lens assembly, and an image intensifier, where the image intensifier's optical axis is parallel to both lens assemblies' optical axes and offset by half the distance between them, allowing for precise alignment and collimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an iterative adjustment process is used to align optical axes, then the device can be secured and tested for collimation, but the manufacturing process requires repeated release and readjustment of components, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing adjustment mechanisms that enable pre-alignment of optical components during assembly. The objective lens assembly and eyepiece lens assembly include adjustable mounts that allow technicians to pre-position and secure components in their correct orientations before final collimation testing, eliminating the need for repeated release and readjustment iterations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional iterative mechanical adjustment process with a more efficient system using optical alignment tools and adjustable mechanical mounts. These mounts incorporate fine-adjustment mechanisms that allow precise positioning without requiring complete disassembly and reassembly, substituting the trial-and-error mechanical process with a controlled adjustment system
2Stability of the object's composition
If components are securely fixed during manufacturing, then assembly stability is improved, but the ability to readjust components for collimation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable mounts with fine-adjustment mechanisms for both the objective lens assembly and eyepiece lens assembly. These mounts transition from a fixed state during initial securing to an adjustable state during collimation, and then to a permanently fixed state after alignment is achieved. The mechanisms allow controlled movement only when needed for alignment, providing both stability and adjustability at different stages
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional alignment methods are used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the desired degree of collimation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary alignment tools and adjustable mounting mechanisms as mediators between the simple manufacturing process and the precise collimation requirement. These intermediaries include optical alignment tools that provide visual feedback and adjustable mounts with fine-positioning capabilities, bridging the gap between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision by enabling accurate alignment without complex procedures
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system includes an optical assembly frame having an input portion, an output portion, and an objective lens assembly disposed at the input portion of the optical assembly frame. The objective lens assembly has an objective lens central optical axis. An eyepiece lens assembly is disposed at the output portion of the frame. The eyepiece lens assembly has an eyepiece lens central optical axis parallel to the objective lens central optical axis and offset from the objective lens central optical axis by a distance. An inverting image intensifier is disposed between the objective lens assembly and the eyepiece lens assembly. The image intensifier has an image intensifier optical axis parallel to the objective lens central optical axis and parallel to the eyepiece lens central optical axis. The image intensifier optical axis is offset from both the objective lens central optical axis and the eyepiece lens central optical axis by about half the distance.