Conical Tip Set Screw Mount for Multi-DOF Precision Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple degree of freedom adjustable mounts are often heavy due to multiple precision stages and require external tooling for adjustments, which limits their viability in dynamic environments and precision adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A precision adjustable mount system utilizing a support fitting with an adjustment screw and conical tip set screws that allow for six degrees of freedom adjustments with a single tool, providing fine linear motion and lockable positions without strain forces, using a combination of adjustment screws and conical tip set screws for smooth and precise adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple precision stages are used for each degree of freedom, then adjustment precision is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into a single integrated support fitting structure. The conical tip set screws work together with the adjustment screw to provide multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment capabilities without requiring separate precision stages for each degree of freedom, thereby achieving precise adjustment while minimizing weight
Solution Approach 2:
The conical tip set screws are designed to automatically provide stable positioning and adjustment capabilities through their geometric shape and interaction with the adjustment screw. The self-contained mechanism eliminates the need for external tooling or additional support structures, achieving precision adjustment with minimal components
2Manufacturing precision
If external tooling is used for precision adjustments, then adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support fitting incorporates all necessary adjustment capabilities within its own structure. The conical tip set screws and adjustment screw work together as a self-contained system that provides precise multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment without requiring any external tooling or additional supporting devices
Solution Approach 2:
The single support fitting structure performs multiple functions simultaneously - it provides adjustment in multiple degrees of freedom, maintains stable positioning, and eliminates the need for external tooling. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full adjustment capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple precision stages are used for each degree of freedom, then adjustment range is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple adjustment operations into a single integrated mechanism. The conical tip set screws and adjustment screw work together to provide adjustment across multiple degrees of freedom through one coordinated system, making the device easier to operate while maintaining full adjustment range
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components (conical tip set screws, adjustment screw, support fitting) that work independently but coordinate together. This segmentation allows for smooth, precise adjustments across the full range of motion without the complexity of multiple stacked stages
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (100, 400) configured for precision adjustment includes a support fitting (115a-115c, 415) having a void (118a-118b, 418) oriented along a first axis. The apparatus also includes an adjustment screw (120) disposed within the void. The apparatus further includes first and second set screws (130, 130a-130d) coupled to the support fitting, where each set screw has a substantially conical tip. The first and second set screws are oriented such that a plane bisecting the first and second set screws is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. An edge of the conical tip of the first set screw is substantially parallel to an edge of the conical tip of the second set screw.