Spring-Elastic Optical Adjustment Screw for Backlash-Free Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment methods for optical components in optical instruments suffer from unintentional loosening due to thread play and hysteresis, which can cause deviations during operation, and previous solutions like adhesive application are inefficient and laborious.
Innovation Solution
The adjusting screw is designed with a spring-elastic radial section, featuring a longitudinal slot or multiple intersecting slots, allowing it to be clamped securely in the internal thread, compensating for thread play and ensuring precise adjustment without backlash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard adjusting screw with external thread is used, then the adjustment process is simple, but thread play causes unintentional loosening and hysteresis during iterative adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting screw is designed with radial spring elasticity that allows dynamic adaptation to thread clearances. The spring-elastic structure enables the screw to automatically compensate for play between external and internal threads during adjustment operations, maintaining reliable positioning while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial dimensions of the adjusting screw are made variable through spring-elastic deformation. By changing the radial parameter (diameter) of the screw shank, the invention enables the screw to expand and fill thread clearances, eliminating hysteresis and ensuring stable adjustment positions without complicating the adjustment process.
2Reliability
If adhesive is injected through a longitudinal bore in the adjusting screw, then loosening is prevented, but the screw becomes single-use and requires laborious cleaning for readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting screw with radial spring elasticity is self-regulating and reusable. The spring-elastic structure automatically maintains contact pressure with the internal thread, providing continuous fixation without adhesive. The screw can be easily removed and readjusted multiple times without cleaning, as the spring mechanism naturally compensates for any wear or clearance changes.
3Measurement precision
If the adjusting screw is made rigid, then positioning precision is high, but thread play cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting screw combines local flexibility with overall rigidity. The radial spring elasticity is localized to specific regions of the screw shank, allowing these areas to deform and compensate for thread play, while the rest of the screw maintains sufficient rigidity for precise positioning of the optical component.
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 spring-elastic adjusting screw provides secure, backlash-free positioning of optical components, maintaining precise alignment even under vibrations, and allows for easy and repeatable adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the adjusting screw, which is at least partially equipped with an external thread, is designed in cross-section to be spring-elastic in the radial direction, such that the adjusting screw can be clamped in an internal thread of the support or the other component with its external thread
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustment device (2) for adjusting optical components of an optical instrument, with at least one adjustment screw (3) by means of which the optical component arranged on a carrier (4) can be fixed in an exact position relative to another component (5) of the optical instrument.To create an adjustment device (2) of the type mentioned above, which ensures reliable adjustment of the optical components within the optical instrument while being easy to handle, the invention proposes that the adjustment screw (3), which is at least partially equipped with an external thread (14), be designed in cross-section to be spring-elastic in the radial direction such that the adjustment screw (3) can be clamped in an internal thread (15) of the support (4) or the other component (5) with its external thread (14), and that the adjustment screw (3) is supported by a screw tip (16) on the other component (5) or the support (4). Furthermore, the invention relates to a device arrangement (1) for adjusting optical components of an optical instrument with an adjustment device (2) comprising at least one adjustment screw (3).