Laser Alignment System Using Biasing Cover Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical laser systems face challenges in precisely aligning separate diffractive optical elements for aiming and treatment beams, which is critical for maintaining the accuracy and efficiency of laser photocoagulation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A laser alignment system comprising an optic mounting plate with a receptacle, an optical aperture, and a biasing recess, along with a biasing element and a cover plate, is used to align optical elements within the surgical laser system. This system ensures precise registration and angular orientation of diffractive optical elements, facilitating consistent alignment of aiming and treatment beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate diffractive optical elements are used for aiming and treatment beams, then the laser system can perform both aiming and treatment functions, but precise alignment between the two beams becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function into the optic mounting structure by providing a common mounting plate with registration surfaces that physically constrain the relative positions of multiple diffractive optical elements. This ensures that aiming and treatment beams maintain precise alignment through mechanical registration features rather than separate alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical alignment procedures with a mechanical mounting system that uses registration surfaces, recesses, and biasing elements to automatically maintain precise alignment of optical elements. The mechanical structure inherently enforces the correct spatial relationship between diffractive elements for aiming and treatment beams.
2Manufacturing precision
If diffractive elements are precisely positioned and angularly oriented, then accurate laser spot pattern delivery is achieved, but the alignment process becomes sensitive and critical
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate structure provides self-aligning features through registration surfaces and biasing elements that automatically position optical elements correctly during installation. The system serves its own alignment needs through built-in mechanical constraints rather than requiring external alignment equipment or complex adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces registration surfaces and biasing elements as intermediary mechanical features that mediate between the optical elements and the mounting plate. These intermediaries translate the requirement for precise angular orientation and positioning into simple mechanical constraints that guide correct placement without requiring complex alignment tools.
3Productivity
If multiple laser beams are delivered simultaneously to multiple fibers, then photocoagulation efficiency increases, but maintaining alignment of multiple diffractive elements becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting plate into multiple identical receptacles, each with its own registration surfaces and biasing elements. This modular approach allows multiple diffractive optical elements to be independently mounted while maintaining consistent alignment relationships, simplifying the assembly process for multi-beam laser systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical registration surface geometries and biasing element configurations for each optical element receptacle. This homogeneous design ensures that all diffractive optical elements are positioned and oriented in the same manner, making it easier to maintain alignment across multiple beams while delivering simultaneous photocoagulation treatment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for laser alignment, and more particularly, systems and methods for alignment of an optical element for laser transmission. In certain embodiments, a cover plate is configured to slide into place on an optic mounting plate. Positioning the cover plate applies force to a biasing element to press an optical element against a registration surface of the optic mounting plate to align the optical element with an optical aperture. The cover plate may be secured relative to the optic mounting plate to retain the biasing element and the optical element.