Laterally Unconstrained Magnetic Joint for Optical Mounts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical component mounts, such as kinematic, flexure, and gimbal mounts, are complex, heavy, and unsuitable for rapid adjustments due to mechanical constraints and proximity issues in high-power laser applications, requiring a simpler and more compact solution for tip-tilt and piston-tip-tilt adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A flexible magnetic joint with interfacing parts, one having a flat surface and the other a convex surface, utilizing permanent magnets or ferromagnetic materials to allow for three rotational degrees of freedom and decouple the optical element from actuators, providing retention without lateral mechanical constraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional kinematic, flexure, or gimbal mounts are used for mirror mounting and adjustment, then the optical component can be securely retained and positioned, but the mount becomes complex, heavy, and unsuitable for rapid adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical mounting systems (kinematic mounts, flexure mounts, gimbal mounts) with a magnetic mounting system. The magnetic joint uses magnetic attraction forces to retain the optical component without mechanical contact, eliminating complex mechanical structures while providing secure retention and enabling rapid adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the retention function from mechanical constraints and isolates it to a magnetic joint. The magnetic joint separately provides retention through magnetic attraction while allowing lateral motion through controlled relaxation of magnetic constraints, simplifying the overall mount structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional magnetic joints with matching spherical surfaces are used, then three rotational degrees of freedom are achieved, but lateral translational degrees of freedom are mechanically constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control to the magnetic joint by varying the strength and distribution of magnetic forces. The magnetic joint can dynamically transition between providing strong lateral retention and allowing lateral motion by relaxing magnetic constraints, enabling both rotational freedom and lateral adjustability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the magnetic field to control the joint's behavior. By adjusting magnetic field strength and distribution, the system can provide lateral constraint when retention is needed or allow lateral motion when adjustment is needed, without mechanical interference.
3Measurement precision
If actuators are mechanically coupled to the optical element in a tip-tilt mount, then precise positioning is achieved, but the distance between points defining the plane of the optical element becomes non-constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical coupling between actuators and the optical element with magnetic coupling. The magnetic joint allows actuators to exert forces for precise positioning while maintaining a constant distance between points defining the optical element's plane, as the magnetic field can transmit forces without mechanical deformation or displacement.
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 simple, uniform, and cost-effective optical mounts that facilitate rapid adjustments and reduce weight, suitable for high-power applications by maintaining optical component alignment and stability with reduced mechanical constraints.
Implementation Method 1
One or both parts of the magnetic joint are made from permanent magnets which are magnetized along the axis of the joint, or one of the parts is made from a ferromagnetic material thus creating magnetic force attraction between the two parts
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of this invention is a laterally unconstrained magnetic joint and application of said joint in tip-tilt and piston-tip-tilt optical mounts. The laterally unconstrained magnetic joint in its basic embodiment comprises two interfacing parts: one having a flat surface interfacing a convex surface of the other, wherein one or both parts are made from permanent magnets that are magnetized along the axis of the joint, and the other of the said parts is made from a ferromagnetic material thus creating magnetic force attraction between the two parts. The resulting lack of lateral mechanical constraint between the two parts of the joint is utilized in tip-tilt mounts by decoupling an adjustor and/or actuator from the payload resulting in a simple, uniform design, while magnetic force provides retention sufficient for a wide variety of applications.