Multi-Axial Optical Component Mount for Precision Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges in precisely positioning and orienting optical components due to the small wavelength of light, leading to time-consuming, inaccurate, and non-repeatable manual adjustments with custom-made mounts.
Innovation Solution
A mount with independent multi-axial adjustment capabilities, including rotational and linear adjustments, supported by a combination of manual and actuator-controlled mechanisms, allowing for precise positioning and orientation of optical components along multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of custom-made mounts is used, then the optical component can be positioned and oriented, but the process is time-consuming, inaccurate, and non-repeatable
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is divided into multiple independent adjustment mechanisms, each responsible for a specific degree of freedom (tilt, rotation, translation along x, y, z axes). This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall positioning precision while enabling independent adjustment without affecting other parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount transitions from a static custom-made structure to a dynamic system with multiple adjustable degrees of freedom. Each adjustment mechanism can be independently modified during operation, allowing real-time optimization of optical component positioning and orientation, thereby improving both precision and efficiency.
2Reliability
If manual adjustment of custom-made mounts is used, then the optical component can be positioned and oriented, but the accuracy and repeatability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The mount design incorporates universal adjustment mechanisms that can handle multiple adjustment tasks through standardized components. Each degree of freedom has a dedicated mechanism that can be operated independently, ensuring consistent and repeatable adjustments while simplifying the overall operation through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount includes feedback mechanisms such as scales, indicators, and locking systems that provide visual and mechanical confirmation of adjustment positions. This feedback ensures repeatable positioning by allowing operators to return to previously set configurations accurately and verify the state of each adjustment parameter.
3Measurement precision
If the entire mount is manually moved to position the optical component, then positioning is possible, but the process is time-consuming and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into independent adjustment mechanisms for each degree of freedom. This allows operators to adjust only the specific parameter that needs modification rather than moving the entire mount, significantly improving adjustment efficiency while maintaining high positioning accuracy through specialized mechanisms for each axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of individual parameters without requiring movement of the entire mount structure. Each degree of freedom can be modified independently and on-demand, increasing productivity by eliminating unnecessary movements while maintaining positioning accuracy through dedicated adjustment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made mounts are used, then support for optical components is provided, but the flexibility for independent adjustment of position and orientation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is segmented into modular adjustment mechanisms, each handling a specific degree of freedom. This modular approach increases adaptability by allowing independent adjustment of each parameter while managing complexity through standardized, interchangeable components that can be assembled in different configurations for different optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount employs universal adjustment mechanisms that can accommodate various optical components and configurations. Each mechanism is designed to handle multiple functions within its degree of freedom, providing flexibility for different positioning and orientation requirements while maintaining a consistent, manageable structural complexity through standardized designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical control system including a mount for an optical component is disclosed that provides the flexibility of independently adjusting the position and orientation of the optical component along and about one or more axes. In an exemplary embodiment, the mount includes a support element for supporting the optical component; one or more rotational adjustment elements for rotating said support element independently about one or more axes, respectively; and one or more linear adjustment elements for moving said support element independently along one or more axes. The adjustment elements may be manually adjustable and/or may be adjustable by an actuator. In the latter case, the actuator may be electronically controlled by a controller. The optical component may be a reflective, transmissive, or reflective/transmissive optical device, such as diffraction gratings, mirrors, beam splitters, and others.