Optical Element Adjustment Mechanism for Tilt and Axial Deviation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical adjustment mechanisms for optical elements face challenges in precisely adjusting the position and tilt of optical elements, particularly in maintaining alignment and preventing axial deviation, which can affect the performance of imaging systems.

Innovation Solution

An optical adjustment mechanism comprising an outer frame, an inner frame, a biasing member, and an axial deviation suppression portion with protruding portions and contact portions that allow for precise adjustment of the inner frame's position and tilt, using biasing members and pressing mechanisms to maintain alignment and suppress axial deviation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional adjustment mechanisms (cylindrical cam, tilt adjustment washer, guide bars) are used to adjust the tilt of optical elements, then the tilt adjustment function is achieved, but axial deviation occurs affecting imaging system performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidaxial deviation suppression
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent functional components: protruding portions for axial deviation suppression, contact portions for tilt adjustment, and pressing members for applying controlled force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between tilt adjustment and axial deviation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a new dimensional approach by using protruding portions extending in the optical axis direction to suppress axial deviation, while contact portions adjust tilt in a direction intersecting the optical axis. This multi-dimensional constraint system independently controls axial position and tilt angle, eliminating the trade-off between these parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the inner frame is pressed against the outer frame to maintain alignment, then alignment stability is improved, but the adjustment range and ease of adjustment are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoidadjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing members are designed to be movable along the optical axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the pressing force. During adjustment, the pressing members can be repositioned to provide sufficient clearance for tilt adjustment; after adjustment, they are moved to apply optimal pressing force for stability. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between stability and adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing degree (force and position) of the pressing members is changed during the adjustment process. By varying these parameters, the system transitions from a high-adjustability state (low pressing force) to a high-stability state (optimal pressing force), allowing both easy adjustment and stable alignment to be achieved at different stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple contact points are used to suppress axial deviation, then axial deviation suppression is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial deviation suppressionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding portions serve multiple functions: they constrain axial deviation, provide reference surfaces for positioning, and work in conjunction with contact portions for tilt adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, suppressing axial deviation without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The mechanism enables precise adjustment of optical elements' position and tilt, reducing axial deviation and enhancing the performance and stability of imaging systems by ensuring accurate alignment and preventing unwanted movement.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member that is disposed around the outer frame and biases the inner frame in an optical axis direction of the optical element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12504600B2Optical adjustment mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.12.23 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US12504600B2 patent drawing
  • US12504600B2 patent drawing
  • US12504600B2 patent drawing

AI summary

One embodiment according to the technique of the present disclosure provides an optical adjustment mechanism that adjusts a position and/or a tilt of an optical element. An optical adjustment mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an outer frame; an inner frame that is held by the outer frame and holds an optical element; a biasing member that is disposed around the outer frame and biases the inner frame in an optical axis direction of the optical element; and an axial deviation suppression portion that suppresses deviation of the inner frame in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction with respect to the outer frame, in which the axial deviation suppression portion has protruding portions disposed at a plurality of locations of the outer frame around the optical axis and protruding in the optical axis direction and contact portions formed in the inner frame and coming into contact with the respective protruding portions.