Nested Flexure Optical Mounts With Lockable Alignment Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for optical systems often suffer from non-perpendicular adjustment axes, lack of locking mechanisms, and require potting, which complicates adjustments and stability in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of mounting devices with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms, utilizing a compound nested flexure and lockable adjusters to provide precise translational and rotational adjustments, while eliminating the need for potting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mounting devices use multiple push-pulls in oversized holes for translational and rotational adjustments, then adjustment flexibility is improved, but device complexity and alignment precision deteriorate due to non-perpendicular axes and coupled movements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into separate adjustment modules, each responsible for a specific degree of freedom. The first adjustment mechanism handles translation along the first axis, while the second adjustment mechanism handles translation along the second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each axis without coupling effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms are nested within the mounting device housing, with each adjustment mechanism contained within its own compartment or section. The first adjustment mechanism is positioned to adjust along the first axis, and the second adjustment mechanism is positioned to adjust along the second axis, allowing both adjustments to occur simultaneously without interference.
2Ease of operation
If mounting devices provide multiple translational or rotational degrees of freedom without locking mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates in dynamic environments where load forces can cause unintended movement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device incorporates locking mechanisms that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking mechanisms are designed to be easily engaged and disengaged, allowing the system to dynamically switch between flexible adjustment mode and stable fixed mode based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are designed to maintain the adjusted position automatically once set, without requiring continuous external force or active control. The mechanisms self-lock through mechanical features such as friction elements, detents, or spring-loaded locking components that hold the adjustment in place against load forces.
3Reliability
If mounting devices use potting to allow use in dynamic environments, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as further adjustments cannot be made
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are designed to be reversible and re-adjustable multiple times. Unlike potting which permanently fixes the position, the mechanical locking mechanisms can be unlocked, re-adjusted, and re-locked, providing ongoing adjustability while maintaining stability when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical bonding method (potting) with a mechanical locking system. This substitution maintains the stability and vibration resistance of potting while restoring the ability to make adjustments, as the mechanical locks can be engaged and disengaged without permanent deformation or bonding.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mounting devices require multiple knobs to be adjusted for a single translational adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Each degree of freedom has its own dedicated adjustment control, eliminating the need to manipulate multiple knobs simultaneously. The first adjustment control exclusively adjusts translation along the first axis, and the second adjustment control exclusively adjusts translation along the second axis, simplifying the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device provides standardized adjustment controls that can handle different adjustment requirements through a consistent interface. Each control mechanism is designed to provide both fine adjustment capability and locking capability, eliminating the need for separate controls for different adjustment functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (100) includes a device mount (102) configured to be coupled to a component. The apparatus also includes an inner hub (104) coupled to the device mount by a first flexure (118a-118b, 120a-120b), where the first flexure is configured to permit translational movement of the device mount within the inner hub along a first axis. The apparatus further includes an outer hub (106) coupled to the inner hub by a second flexure (128a-128b, 130a-130b), where the second flexure is configured to permit translational movement of the device mount and the inner hub within the outer hub along a second axis different from the first axis. The first and second flexures form a compound nested flexure. The outer hub is configured to be coupled to a support structure and to permit both (i) translational movement of the apparatus along a third axis different from the first and second axes and (ii) tip/tilt adjustment of the apparatus.