Floating Element Optical Fiber Alignment Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber alignment devices have limited adjustment ranges and are inflexible in accommodating optical fibers of different diameters, restricting precise alignment and angle adjustments necessary for various optical applications, particularly in microscopy.
Innovation Solution
The alignment device employs floating elements with perpendicular edges to maintain point-shaped contact with the optical fiber, allowing for linear and angular adjustments in multiple directions, replacing the traditional solid sleeve with a more flexible and space-efficient design that accommodates various fiber diameters and cross-sections, and includes additional positioning devices for enhanced freedom of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a solid sleeve is used to hold the optical fiber, then the fiber is securely positioned, but the adjustment range is limited and flexibility for different fiber diameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solid sleeve is segmented into multiple floating elements (first floating element, second floating element, etc.) that can move independently. Each floating element has positioning devices that allow adjustment in specific directions, providing both adaptability for different fiber diameters and secure positioning through point-shaped contact edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The static solid sleeve is replaced with dynamic floating elements that can adjust their positions and orientations. The floating elements have degrees of freedom allowing them to adapt to different fiber diameters and positions, transforming the rigid structure into a flexible, adaptive system.
2Measurement precision
If fine screw bolts are used for linear adjustment in X and Y directions, then precise positioning is achieved, but the adjustment range is limited to approximately +/- 1mm
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is extended from two dimensions (X, Y) to three dimensions by adding floating elements that can adjust in multiple directions including the longitudinal direction of the fiber. This adds another dimension of adjustment while maintaining precision through the fine screw bolt mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple positioning devices are nested within the floating elements, with fine screw bolts providing precise adjustment within each floating element. The floating elements themselves are nested within the receptacle, creating a hierarchical positioning system that achieves both precision and extended range.
3Ease of operation
If the optical fiber is adjusted at an angle between the object longitudinal direction and receiving longitudinal direction, then angular alignment is achieved, but the effectively available linear adjustment range in X and Y directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts between angular and linear alignment modes through the floating elements. When angular adjustment is needed, the floating elements can pivot and rotate, and when linear adjustment is needed, they can translate independently, allowing both functions without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular adjustment function is separated from the linear adjustment function by assigning different floating elements to different tasks. Some floating elements handle angular alignment while others maintain linear positioning, preventing the reduction of linear range when angular adjustment is performed.
4Reliability
If a sleeve with flat surfaces is used for fine screw bolt adjustment, then mechanical stability is provided, but the device is inflexible for fibers of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The internal geometry of the floating elements can be adjusted to accommodate different fiber diameters. The floating elements have adjustable parameters such as the position of their edges and the configuration of their positioning devices, allowing them to adapt to various fiber sizes while maintaining mechanical stability through their rigid construction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an alignment device (10) for an object to be aligned (12), in particular for an end of an optical fibre (14), wherein the object (12) to be aligned has an object longitudinal direction LG and an exit surface extending substantially perpendicular to the object longitudinal direction LG. Said alignment device comprises a receptacle, having a receptacle longitudinal direction LA, for the object to be aligned and at least one first positioning device (20) having a first effective direction W1 and a second positioning device (40) having a second effective direction W2 different from the first effective device. Said alignment device is characterized in that the first positioning device (20) has a first slide element (30), on which the object to be aligned can slide in the second effective direction W2 when the second positioning device (40) is actuated, and wherein the second positioning device (40) has a second slide element (38), on which the object (12) to be aligned can slide in the first effective direction W1 when the first positioning device (20) is actuated.