Nested Mechanical Connection Device for Precision Plane Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optoelectronic systems require bulky and expensive separate equipment for precise positioning of detector planes relative to optical devices, limiting precision and compactness, especially in confined spaces like aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connection device with nested parts and independent adjustment mechanisms allows for precise positioning of two planes with respect to each other, enabling six degrees of freedom (three translations and three rotations) without interfering with other adjustments, using interlocking parts to ensure parallelism, centering, and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate specific equipment with their own parts and components is provided for each translation and rotation to achieve six degrees of freedom adjustment, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity, bulk, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment mechanisms for six degrees of freedom (three translations and three rotations) into a single integrated mechanical connection device. The nested parts structure allows multiple adjustment functions to be merged into one compact unit, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning precision through coordinated adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested parts structure where multiple mechanical components are arranged concentrically, with each part containing or supporting the next. This nesting approach consolidates multiple adjustment mechanisms into a compact configuration, reducing overall device bulk and complexity while preserving the capability for precise six-degree-of-freedom positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate specific equipment with their own parts and components is provided for each translation and rotation, then positioning precision is improved, but the equipment becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate adjustment equipment into a single integrated mechanical connection device that provides all six degrees of freedom adjustment capabilities. This consolidation significantly reduces the total weight compared to having separate equipment for each translation and rotation axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested parts structure allows the mechanism to achieve six degrees of freedom adjustment in a compact, lightweight configuration. By nesting components within each other, the patent eliminates the need for bulky separate equipment, reducing overall weight while maintaining positioning precision.
3Volume of moving object
If parts nested inside each other are used in the mechanical connection device, then device compactness is improved, but adjustment precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nested parts to achieve compact device volume while incorporating precise adjustment mechanisms within each nested level. The concentric arrangement allows multiple adjustment functions to be packed tightly without sacrificing precision, as each nested component maintains its own adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection device is segmented into multiple independent nested parts, each responsible for specific adjustment functions. This segmentation allows precise control of each degree of freedom while maintaining compact overall dimensions through the nested configuration.
4Stability of the object's composition
If clamping members are used to immobilize parts in position, then positioning stability is improved, but adjustment precision is reduced due to immobilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable clamping members that can dynamically transition between loose and tight states. During adjustment, the clamping members are loose to allow precise positioning; once positioned, they are tightened to immobilize parts and stabilize the configuration. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between adjustability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms are designed to be operated before the clamping members are tightened. This preliminary action allows precise positioning to be achieved while the parts are still movable, after which the clamping members are engaged to lock the position, ensuring both adjustment precision and positioning stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves using an adjusting tool to disassociate an adjusting function of adjustable connecting mechanisms from a clamping function of pieces e.g. support plates (12), connected to a mechanical connecting device (8), where the adjusting tool is independent from the connecting device and provided with adjusting units individually acting on the mechanisms. The connecting mechanisms are arranged in the pieces to realize translations and rotations of adjusting elements immobilized in a position in the pieces. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a connecting device for connecting pieces (2) an optoelectronic system comprising an optical device (3) an adjusting tool comprising adjusting units.