Lens Mounting Clip with Alignment Chuck for Coaxial Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Precision optical systems face challenges in accurately and securely mounting lenses within lens cells, as existing methods lack the precision and reliability needed for coaxial alignment and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a lens with an annular groove and a polygonal mounting clip formed from spring wire, combined with an alignment chuck for precise centering and alignment, ensures the lens is firmly held and aligned with the lens cell body using transversely extending mounting extensions and a cement or bonding material for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional mounting methods are used, then the lens can be mounted in the lens cell body, but the lens cannot be accurately centered and positioned coaxial with the alignment axis
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment chuck serves as an intermediary device between the lens and lens cell body during the mounting process. It provides reference surfaces and alignment features that enable precise centering and coaxial alignment of the lens with the alignment axis, while not becoming a permanent part of the final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a spring-biased polygonal mounting clip system. The spring wire clip with mounting extensions automatically positions and secures the lens through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment devices while achieving high positioning precision.
2Reliability
If a secure mounting method is used, then the lens can be firmly held in position, but the alignment accuracy and coaxial positioning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip is designed as a dynamic, spring-biased component that can deform elastically during installation to accommodate the lens, then maintains constant securing force. This dynamic behavior allows the clip to both secure the lens firmly and maintain precise alignment through its elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment chuck performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions before the final mounting occurs. The lens is centered and aligned with the alignment axis using the chuck's reference surfaces prior to installation in the lens cell body, ensuring alignment accuracy is established before securing.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment tools are used, then the lens can be accurately aligned with the alignment axis, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment chuck acts as a temporary intermediary tool that simplifies the alignment process during manufacturing. It provides built-in alignment features and reference surfaces that make achieving precise optical axis alignment straightforward, then is removed after mounting, leaving a simple final assembly.
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
The solution provides a precise and secure mounting method that ensures the lens is accurately coaxial and positioned, enhancing the reliability of precision optical systems by using a spring-biased clip and alignment chuck for precise alignment and secure bonding.
Implementation Method 1
a polygonal mounting clip formed from spring wire with at least two contiguous apexes and a non-contiguous apex which is biased towards closure
Data Source
AI summary
This system and method for mounting lenses in lens cells a lens with an annular groove around its peripheral edge and a polygonal mounting clip formed from spring wire with at least two contiguous apexes and a non-contiguous apex such that it is biased towards closure. The mounting clip is nested in the annular groove, forcing the non-contiguous apex open. The lens is firmly held by the mounting clip and transversely extending mounting extensions at each apex are inserted into properly spaced wells in a face of a lens cell body to hold the lens in position over an aperture. An alignment chuck with a lens rest positionable with respect to a lens cell body rest is used to position the lens at the proper height above the lens cell body. The alignment chuck is then spun to align the lens optical axis with the alignment axis of the cell body. After this, the wells serve as reservoirs for a cement or other bonding materials to firmly affix the lens in its clip in perfect position with respect to the lens cell body.