Mono-planar Sealed Laser Beam Alignment Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser beam alignment setups are multi-planar, leading to increased complexity, weight, and potential angular misalignment due to the stacking of multiple assemblies, resulting in a thicker and heavier assembly with increased part count.

Innovation Solution

A mono-planar sealed laser beam alignment device with a main housing, upper and lower O-rings, inner and outer motion planes, and translation setscrews, which secures these components into a compact, lightweight assembly that maintains beam alignment along two axes at 90 degrees to the optical axis, using advanced machining techniques to minimize space occupation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-planar laser beam alignment assemblies are stacked to provide movement in multiple directions, then alignment capability in multiple directions is improved, but device complexity and part count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment capability in multiple directionsVSAvoiddevice complexity and part count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple alignment functions into a single planar assembly rather than stacking multiple assemblies. The mono-planar design integrates movement in multiple directions within one plane, eliminating the need for separate multi-planar assemblies and reducing overall complexity while maintaining alignment capability in X and Y directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a multi-planar (3D stacked) configuration to a mono-planar (2D) configuration. By achieving multi-directional alignment capability within a single plane through clever mechanical design of the motion planes and setscrews, the invention reduces the third dimension (stacking height) while preserving alignment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser beam alignment assemblies are stacked, then alignment functionality is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment functionalityVSAvoidassembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple alignment assemblies into a single integrated mono-planar unit. By combining the functions of multiple stacked assemblies into one structure with shared components (housing, seals, motion planes), the total weight is reduced while maintaining the alignment functionality across X and Y directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser beam alignment assemblies are stacked, then alignment capability is improved, but thickness along beam axis increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment capabilityVSAvoidthickness along beam axis

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reconfigures the alignment system from a multi-planar stacked arrangement (increasing axial thickness) to a mono-planar design where all alignment movements occur within a single plane. This dramatically reduces the thickness along the beam axis while preserving the ability to align in multiple directions through the planar motion mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser beam alignment assemblies are stacked, then movement directions are improved, but angular misalignment risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement directionsVSAvoidangular alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple alignment functions into a single rigid mono-planar structure with precisely machined motion planes. By eliminating the interfaces between stacked assemblies, the invention removes the sources of cumulative angular misalignment while maintaining movement capability in multiple directions through the integrated setscrew and motion plane mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11428571B2Mono-planar sealed beam alignment device

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A mono-planar sealed laser beam alignment device may include a plurality of fasteners holding an upper plate. The device further includes an upper O-ring, a lower O-ring, an inner motion plane, and an outer motion plane. The device further includes a main housing affixed to a laser beam alignment assembly. The laser beam alignment device is configured to provide laser beam alignment with respect to a first axis and a second axis opposed at 90 degrees to the first axis of the laser beam alignment assembly. The first axis and the second axis on a single plane are normal to an optical axis of a laser beam of the laser beam alignment assembly. The plurality of fasteners secure the upper O-ring, the inner motion plane, the lower O-ring, and the outer motion plane into the main housing, creating beam path pressurization by the laser beam alignment device.