Flat-Plate Optical Axis Jig for Roller-Clear Head Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical axis adjustment methods for head units in confocal displacement meters interfere with conveying rollers during sheet thickness measurement, necessitating the use of dedicated jigs that complicate the alignment process.
Innovation Solution
An optical axis adjustment jig and method that uses a flat plate-shaped main unit with integrated reference and screen portions, allowing for optical axis alignment of head units without interfering with conveying rollers by sliding the jig between the units to adjust distance and inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated jigs are used for optical axis alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases and interference with conveying rollers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reference portion and screen portion into a single integrated jig body. The reference portion includes a first reference element and second reference element, while the screen portion includes a first screen element and second screen element, all mounted on one jig structure. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate dedicated jigs and reduces interference with conveying rollers while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single jig structure serves multiple functions: it provides both reference elements for distance and inclination adjustment, and screen elements for optical axis alignment. This multi-functional design allows the same jig to perform both reference setting and alignment operations, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated jigs are used for optical axis alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but interference with conveying rollers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment process into two functional portions (reference portion and screen portion) that can be positioned at different locations on the jig. This segmentation allows the jig to be configured in a way that minimizes interference with conveying rollers while maintaining alignment precision, as each portion can be optimally positioned for its specific function.
3Measurement precision
If multiple dedicated jigs are used, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the reference portion and screen portion into a single jig, the patent simplifies the operational process. Instead of requiring multiple separate jigs to be set up and adjusted, the operator works with one integrated tool, reducing the steps involved in alignment while maintaining the precision achieved through the separate functional portions.
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
Enables precise optical axis alignment of head units without interfering with conveying rollers, simplifying the alignment process and reducing the need for multiple dedicated jigs.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a distance between the head units to each other, and an inclination of the optical axis of each of the head units, by emitting light from each of the head units toward the reference portion
Data Source
AI summary
An optical axis adjustment jig includes a main unit portion that is configured to be disposed between a pair of head units, and is fashioned in a flat plate shape. The main unit portion includes a reference portion for adjusting a distance between the head units, and an inclination of an optical axis of each of the head units, and a screen portion for aligning the optical axes of the head units. The reference portion and the screen portion are disposed arrayed in a direction orthogonal to a thickness direction of the main unit portion.