Optical Cage System With Side-Mounted Rods For Flexible Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical cage systems face challenges in achieving precise optical alignment and flexibility in configuration due to their rigid structures and limited mounting options, which restrict their application in various optical setups.
Innovation Solution
The proposed optical cage system uses side-mounted Aluminum rods with a matched hole pattern in the mounting plates, eliminating the need for corner connectors and allowing for direct securement of plates at different angles and spacings, thereby enhancing flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If corner connectors and screws are used to assemble mounting plates, then the structure provides sufficient rigidity for precise optical alignment, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes corner connectors and screws from the assembly system, replacing them with integrated rod-receiving features directly formed in the mounting plates. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the device while maintaining structural integrity through the rod-plate direct connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate design integrates rod receiving features, mounting holes, and structural support into a single unified component. By merging multiple functions (rod attachment, optical element mounting, and structural support) into one plate, the system reduces assembly complexity while preserving precision alignment capabilities.
2Strength
If multiple corner connectors and screws are used to secure mounting plates, then mechanical rigidity is maintained, but the ease of manufacture and assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates corner connectors and multiple screws, retaining only essential fastening points. This reduction in components directly improves ease of manufacture and assembly while the rod-receiving features maintain mechanical rigidity through optimized geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plates are designed with universal rod-receiving features that can accommodate different rod configurations and orientations. This multi-functionality allows the same plate design to serve multiple assembly purposes, simplifying manufacturing processes and improving ease of assembly across various optical instrument configurations.
3Ease of operation
If square mounting plates with corner connectors are used, then assembly is straightforward, but the adaptability for different optical configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plates incorporate universal rod-receiving features that can accommodate rods in various orientations and positions, enabling the same plate to participate in multiple different optical configurations. This universality maintains ease of operation while dramatically increasing adaptability for different instrument designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed corner-connector assemblies to a dynamic configuration system where rods can be positioned and secured at various locations on the mounting plates. This dynamic approach allows easy reconfiguration for different optical setups while maintaining straightforward assembly procedures.
4Manufacturing precision
If through bores with high tolerance are provided in mounting plates for rod insertion, then precise alignment is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for high-tolerance through bores by replacing the traditional rod-insertion method with a direct rod-receiving feature design. This extraction of the precision boring requirement significantly improves manufacturing efficiency while the geometric design of the receiving features maintains adequate alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimensional parameters and tolerance requirements of the rod-receiving features compared to traditional through bores. By optimizing the geometry of the receiving features, the system achieves sufficient precision with relaxed tolerance specifications, thereby improving manufacturing productivity and reducing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical cage system that provides a plurality of optical components that may be assembled so as to construct a multiplicity of optical instruments in many varied configurations. Varied, polygonal, and circular optical mounting plates, and rods facilitate manipulation of the optical axis in a given system so as to reach a desired resulting optical instrument. Structural members provide stability and facilitate connectability.