Optical Cell Alignment via Preloaded Clamp and Groove Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical benches face challenges in achieving precise alignment of optical components while being reconfigurable, as they often trade precision for flexibility, and require significant redesign for changes in optical requirements.
Innovation Solution
An optical system featuring a base with a groove and adjacent slot, along with clamps that include preloaded fasteners and an adjustment tool, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment of optical cells within the groove, enabling high precision and rigidity while accommodating lens variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable optical benches (cage systems, optical breadboard plates) are used to provide flexible positioning of optical components, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical bench is segmented into a base structure with grooves and slots, and separate clamp assemblies that can be independently positioned. The optical cell is divided into a body portion and a mounting portion, allowing the mounting portion to be independently adjusted and secured within the groove system. This segmentation enables precise positioning through the rigid base structure while maintaining reconfigurability through the modular clamp and optical cell components.
2Manufacturing precision
If high precision optical benches (V-groove base plate with discreet mounting points) are used to achieve precise alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to significant redesign requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure with grooves and slots serves multiple functions: it provides precise positioning references, structural support, and a standardized interface for mounting various optical components. The clamp assembly is designed as a universal mounting mechanism that can secure different types of optical cells and components at multiple locations along the groove, eliminating the need for redesign when changing optical requirements.
3Ease of operation
If optical components are mounted on reconfigurable optical benches, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to limited applicability and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of reconfigurable systems (ease of positioning) with rigid precision structures by combining the movable clamp assembly with the fixed, precision-machined base groove system. The clamp provides easy adjustment and repositioning capability, while the V-groove base structure with slots provides stable, reliable alignment references that maintain precision throughout operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The optical system includes a base having a groove and an adjacent slot therein. The system also includes at least one optical cell slidably alignable along the groove, and at least one clamp comprising a lower end and an upper end. The lower end is slidably alignable along the slot and is secured at a set location so that the upper end secures the at least one optical cell along the groove. The slot may extend parallel to the groove. The clamp may include at least one preloaded fastener arrangement securing the lower end of the clamp to the base. The preloaded fastener may include a bolt, a spring biasing the bolt, and a threaded backing plate within the slot and receiving the bolt.