Mirror Mount Fine Adjustment for Precise Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mirrormounts lack precision in adjusting the orientation of reflecting mirrors, leading to difficulties in accurately pointing a light beam to a desired projection point due to large step distances caused by user sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The addition of a fine-adjusting plate and a second adjusting screw with a lower elastic coefficient, along with a tension shaft and springs, allows for finer adjustments by enabling the fine-adjusting plate to move with greater precision, complementing the original coarse adjustment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single adjusting screw is used for mirror orientation adjustment, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment precision is insufficient due to large step distances
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting mechanism is segmented into two independent subsystems: a coarse adjusting screw for large-step orientation changes and a fine adjusting screw for small-step precision adjustments. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision by dividing the adjustment task into distinct stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is extended from a single-dimensional (one screw) to a two-dimensional system with two independent adjusting screws that can operate simultaneously or independently. This adds another dimension of control, enabling both coarse and fine adjustments to be performed without interfering with each other, thus achieving high precision without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If a coarse adjusting screw with large thread pitch is used, then the adjustment speed is fast, but the control precision over light beam direction is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment process is segmented into two phases: coarse adjustment phase using the first adjusting screw for rapid positioning, and fine adjustment phase using the second adjusting screw for precise beam direction control. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high adjustment speed and high control precision by using the appropriate screw for each phase of the adjustment task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thread pitch parameter between the two adjusting screws: the first adjusting screw has a larger thread pitch for fast coarse adjustment, while the second adjusting screw has a smaller thread pitch for precise fine adjustment. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for both speed and precision in different adjustment scenarios.
3Strength
If the elastic coefficient of the tension spring is high, then the tension shaft is firmly retained, but the fine-adjusting plate cannot move smoothly for precise adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic support system is segmented into two independent spring subsystems: the first tension spring provides strong retention force to firmly hold the tension shaft in position, while the second tension spring provides weaker retention force that allows smooth movement of the fine-adjusting plate. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different retention strength requirements to different functional zones of the same mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different elastic coefficients are applied at different locations of the tension shaft support system: a high elastic coefficient (first tension spring) at the coarse adjustment location for firm retention, and a low elastic coefficient (second tension spring) at the fine adjustment location for smooth movability. This local quality differentiation allows each region to have the properties needed for its specific function.
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 design enhances the precision and ease of adjusting the reflecting light beam's direction, allowing for more precise and quick alignment to the desired projection point, reducing the need for trial and error and improving overall control.
Implementation Method 1
a first tension spring being installed between the adjusting plate and the fine-adjusting plate and enclosing around a section of the tension shaft between the adjusting plate and the fine-adjusting plate; a second tension spring being installed between the fine-adjusting plate and the tension shaft
Implementation Method 2
an elastic element being attached to a distal end of the second adjusting screw and being confined between the adjusting plate and the distal end of the second adjusting screw
Implementation Method 3
a retaining spring fixed between the retaining plate and the adjusting plate; the retaining spring having an effect of pulling the retaining plate and the adjusting plate to be closer
Data Source
AI summary
A high precision mirrormount comprises a retaining plate retaining reflecting mirror; an adjusting plate behind the retaining plate; a retaining ball fixed between the retaining plate and the adjusting plate; a fine-adjusting plate installed at the backside of the adjusting plate; a tension shaft fixed to the adjusting plate and exposing out of the fine-adjusting plate; tension springs being installed around the tension shaft; a first adjusting screw serving to coarsely adjust the adjusting plate to move closer or far away from the retaining plate; and a second adjusting screw having one end resisting against an elastic element which has an elastic coefficient of the elastic element being very smaller than those of the tension springs. Thus, the second adjusting screw has an effect of fine adjustment. In 2D case, two above structures are formed along an X axis and a Y axis respectively.