Kinematic mirror mount and adjustment system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The field of kinematic mounts for optics and laser equipment has seen limited innovation, with existing solutions relying on traditional screw-based adjustment mechanisms that fail to reimagine the fundamental structure of kinematic mounts, leading to a need for improved systems that incorporate different structural elements and adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A kinematic mount system featuring a main body with a mounting frame, a control frame with coupling extrusions, and a tightening mechanism with a compression spring and locking interface component, allowing for precise orientation and secure locking of the mount without causing unwanted movement during tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional screw-based adjustment mechanisms are used in kinematic mounts, then the structure remains simple and familiar, but the ability to achieve precise orientation adjustment without causing unwanted movement during tightening is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is divided into separate functional components: a footing with curved outer surface for positioning, a housing with coupling holes for mounting, and a tightening mechanism with locking interface component. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function, enabling precise orientation adjustment through the curved surface geometry while the locking mechanism secures the position without causing movement during tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring acts as an intermediary element between the tightening mechanism and the housing/footing assembly. It provides gradual, controlled force during tightening, preventing sudden movements or shocks that could alter the oriented position, while still achieving secure locking through the locking interface component.
2Reliability
If a tightening mechanism is added to secure the mount, then stability and prevention of accidental reorientation is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tightening mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single compact assembly: the top portion provides the tightening action, the compression spring provides gradual force application and maintains contact pressure, and the locking interface component provides secure positioning. This merging of functions into one integrated mechanism achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved outer surface of the footing and the complementary coupling holes create a spherical or semi-spherical interface that naturally guides the housing into the correct orientation. This geometric constraint reduces the need for complex adjustment mechanisms, as the curved surfaces inherently provide both positioning and orientation guidance, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control screws are used for orientation adjustment, then adjustment capability is improved, but the risk of causing unwanted movement during the locking process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved outer surface of the footing and the complementary coupling holes are pre-configured to guide the housing into the correct orientation before tightening begins. This preliminary geometric constraint ensures that the orientation is established in advance, and subsequent tightening through the locking interface component merely secures this pre-established position without causing unwanted movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional multiple control screws for orientation adjustment are replaced by extracting the adjustment function into the geometric relationship between the curved footing surface and the housing coupling holes. The orientation adjustment is achieved through the natural fit and geometry of these surfaces rather than through multiple threaded fasteners, reducing the complexity and potential for movement during locking.
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 precise manual adjustment and secure locking of kinematic mounts, preventing accidental reorientation, while allowing for fine control of orientation without affecting the mount's position, thus improving upon the limitations of traditional kinematic mounts.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring configured to provide gradual and controlled tightening of the mounting mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the locking interface component contacts both the top portion and an interior surface of the housing to apply pressure on the interior surface toward the footing
Data Source
AI summary
Kinematic mounts are used frequently to hold objects such as mirrors, lenses, and other optical equipment. To adjust kinematic mounts, adjustment mechanisms are often required. Adjustment mechanisms can be used to make fine adjustments in applications where precision is required (e.g., laser system prototyping). Kinematic mounts that include never-before implemented form factors and structural elements require new adjustment solutions. This application describes systems that include both novel kinematic mounts as well as new adjustment mechanisms developed to reorient the new kinematic mounts. Adjustment mechanisms described in this application include a main body, a control frame, and control screws to adjust the orientation of the control frame. The control frame is coupled with a kinematic mount's housing, which rotates about a center of curvature of a bottom surface of the housing.