Non-Parallel Lens Optical Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional particle size distribution measuring apparatuses require complex and expensive actuators to align optical axes, necessitating precise micrometer-scale adjustments, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a lens with a non-parallel entrance and exit plane to adjust the optical axis, allowing for large-angle rotation using an inexpensive drive mechanism, enabling the parallel light beam to focus at the center of the photodetector without micrometer-scale shifts, and utilizing a dual-lens system with predetermined angles for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If micrometer-scale actuators are used to align optical axes, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical micrometer-scale actuator system with an optical system using a lens and light reflection. Instead of mechanically moving components to achieve alignment, the system uses optical paths and light reflection angles to achieve the same alignment function, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the alignment approach from mechanical position adjustment to optical parameter adjustment. By controlling the reflection angle of light and using lens focusing, the system achieves optical axis alignment through optical parameter changes rather than mechanical parameter changes, reducing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If micrometer-scale actuators are used to align optical axes, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical micrometer actuators with simpler optical components (lens and light source). This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the required alignment precision through optical methods rather than mechanical methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses relatively simple and inexpensive optical components (standard lens and light source) instead of expensive precision mechanical actuators. These optical components are cheaper to manufacture and replace, reducing overall system cost while achieving the same functional result
3Adaptability or versatility
If large-angle lens rotation is implemented, then alignment range is improved, but control precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls large-angle lens rotation by reflecting light at different angles from a mirror or prism. Instead of directly rotating the lens over a large range, the system uses angular reflection in another dimension to achieve the same effect, maintaining control precision while expanding the alignment range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate optical element (mirror or prism) between the light source and the lens. This intermediary allows large-angle adjustments to be achieved through reflection angle changes rather than direct lens rotation, making it easier to control precision while maintaining a wide alignment range
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 solution allows for precise alignment of the optical axis without the need for expensive micrometer-scale actuators, reducing costs and enabling automation by shifting the light exit direction by microscopic angles, ensuring accurate image formation at the photodetector.
Implementation Method 1
a lens for adjusting the optical axis which is placed between the light source unit and the cell base unit and which has an entrance plane through which a parallel light beam from the light source unit enters and an exit plane that is not parallel to the entrance plane
Implementation Method 2
a condensing lens for condensing scattered
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector for detecting the distribution of light intensity of the scattered light that has been condensed by the condensing lens
Implementation Method 4
the parallel light beam is diffracted/scattered by the group of particles to be measured P within the cell 30 so as to provide a spatial distribution pattern of the light intensity
Implementation Method 5
the parallel light beam is diffracted/scattered by the group of particles to be measured P within the cell 30
Data Source
AI summary
In order for a parallel light beam to enable formation of an image at the center of a photodetector 52 without the use of an actuator for the adjustment by an order of micrometers, a particle size distribution measuring apparatus 1 is provided with: a control unit 70 for calculating the distribution of particle size; a lens 21, 22 which is located between a light source unit 40 and a cell base 31 and has an entrance plane 21a, 22a and an exit plane 21b, 22b that is not parallel to the entrance plane 21a, 22a; and a lens drive mechanism 25 that can rotate the lens 21, 22 for adjusting the optical axis so that the angle at which the parallel light beam enters into the entrance plane 21a, 22b can be changed, wherein a detecting surface 52b for adjusting the optical axis is formed on a photodetector 52.