Lens Mount Locking Mechanism via Ring Flexure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical assemblies lack effective locking mechanisms for lens elements, which can lead to unintended movement and affect image quality, especially after calibration.
Innovation Solution
A lens mount with a threaded lens aperture and a ring connected via a flexure joint, utilizing a locking screw to securely lock the lens element in place by compressing its threads, allowing for precise adjustment and locking of lens elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure lens elements, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the ring structure itself, where the ring serves both as a mounting component and as the locking mechanism carrier. The locking screw is threaded directly into the lens mount body, combining multiple functions into fewer components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure joint acts as an intermediary between the ring and the lens mount body, allowing the ring to flex relative to the mount body when the locking screw is engaged. This intermediary mechanism enables the locking function while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the complexity of direct rigid connections.
2Ease of operation
If the ring is made flexible via a flexure joint, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure joint changes the mechanical parameter of rigidity to flexibility in a controlled manner. By designing the joint to flex only in the specific direction needed for locking (axial direction), the patent achieves ease of operation while managing manufacturing precision requirements through targeted flexibility rather than omnidirectional flexibility.
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
This solution provides a robust locking mechanism that ensures lens elements remain stationary once calibrated, maintaining image quality and allowing for precise adjustment of the lens position.
Implementation Method 1
The locking screw can be threaded into the locking screw bore, compressing the threads of the lens element to lock the lens element in position
Implementation Method 2
The locking screw can be threaded into the locking screw bore, compressing the threads of the lens element to lock the lens element in position
Implementation Method 3
The ring can be connected to the lens mount body by a flexure joint, wherein a locking screw bore is defined in the lens mount body on a side of the lens aperture opposite the flexure joint
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly includes a lens mount. The lens mount includes a lens mount body with a threaded lens aperture extending axially therethrough. A ring extends from the lens mount body. The ring defines a lens locking aperture therethrough that is spaced axially apart from the lens aperture and is aligned with the lens aperture. The lens aperture and lens locking aperture are both threaded. A lens element is threaded into the lens aperture and lens locking aperture. A lock operatively connects the lens mount body to the ring for locking the lens element by flexure of the ring relative to the lens aperture.