Optical Element Bearing Clamping With Axial Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically actuated devices for orienting optical elements face challenges in achieving high precision and reliability due to issues with radial forces causing bearing wear and deformation, as well as the difficulties and inaccuracies associated with gluing and replacing components.
Innovation Solution
The use of axial-force-based clamping with preloaded angular contact or ball bearings, combined with a spring-based suspension system that exerts axial force on the outer rim of the bearings, providing rigidity and flexibility while minimizing radial force interference, thereby overcoming the limitations of radial force-based clamping and gluing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radial forces are used to hold bearing inner parts on the axis, then the bearing is positioned, but accelerated wear and deformation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using axial force instead of radial force to clamp the bearing inner part onto the axis. This reversal eliminates the harmful radial forces that cause wear and deformation, while the axial force provides secure positioning without contact damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical radial force-based clamping system with an axial force-based clamping system. This substitution fundamentally changes the force direction and mechanism, avoiding the wear and deformation issues inherent in radial force applications.
2Ease of manufacture
If glue is used to mount bearings, then components are fixed, but bearing malfunction occurs due to glue intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful element (glue) from the bearing mounting process. By using axial-force-based clamping, the invention removes the need for adhesive materials that could intrude into the bearing and cause malfunction, while still achieving secure component fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces axial force as an intermediary mechanism to achieve secure mounting without direct contact between glue and bearing components. The axial force acts as a clean, controllable mediator that positions and secures the bearing inner part without contaminating the bearing mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If radial forces are used for clamping, then components are held in position, but bearing wear and deformation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the force direction from radial to axial, maintaining positioning stability while eliminating harmful wear and deformation effects. The axial force provides secure clamping without the lateral contact stresses that damage bearing components.
4Ease of manufacture
If gluing is used to mount components, then assembly is simplified, but component replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic, reversible mounting system using axial-force-based clamping. Unlike permanent gluing, this system allows for easy adjustment and replacement of components by simply modifying the axial force application, providing both assembly ease and repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by designing the mounting system to allow for easy disassembly and replacement before failure occurs. The axial-force clamping mechanism enables preventive maintenance and component replacement without requiring destructive removal methods.
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 enables precise and reliable orientation of optical elements by preventing bearing wear and deformation, simplifying the mounting process, and allowing for easy replacement of components, while maintaining accurate axial positioning and reducing the risk of damage during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-based suspension means configured to exert said axial force on an outer rim of an outer part of the first bearing
Implementation Method 2
spring-based suspension means configured to exert said axial force
Implementation Method 3
said axis-related clamping means and/or said bearings-related clamping means are further configured to exert said axial force as a preloading force for axially preloading said bearings
Implementation Method 4
the asymmetric design of the each bearing supports axial forces in only one direction
Implementation Method 5
the orientation of said mirror is controlled by the resulting Lorentz force
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention relates to an electrically actuated device for orientating an optical element around a rotational axis comprising a rotor and a stator, said rotor comprising said axis, said axis comprising an optical end and an electronic end, the stator comprising a means for generating a magnetic field; the device further comprising a first axial rotation bearing associated with said optical end and a second axial rotation bearing associated with said electronic end, each bearing comprising an inner part and an outer part; said device further comprising electronic actuation means for providing a charged particle having a velocity v moving through a conductor provided on said rotor, wherein the axis is able to perform a rotational movement over less than 180°, and whereby the orientation of said axis is controlled by a Lorentz force resulting from said charged particle moving in said magnetic field; wherein said device comprises axis-related clamping means configured to exert an axial force on the inner parts of the bearings toward each other for axially clamping said axis, thereby radially fixating said axis with respect to each of the inner parts of the bearings.