Optical Coupling Kinematic Mounting for Modular Spectrophotometer Beam Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular optical spectrophotometers face inaccuracies in beam transmission due to mechanical interface errors and tolerances, leading to a larger error budget in beam precision and accuracy compared to integrated designs.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupling with first and second coupling portions configured to mate in kinematic constraint via a first mounting interface and at least two further mounting interfaces, where the optical axis passes through the first mounting interface, minimizing lateral displacements and providing a light-impervious seal, thus achieving high beam accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modules are separated into a modular design, then adaptability and ease of maintenance are improved, but beam transmission accuracy deteriorates due to mechanical interface errors and tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized optical coupling mechanism as an intermediary component between modular sections. This coupling includes precision-machined mechanical interfaces with mounting elements and sockets that provide reproducible alignment. The optical channel within the coupling ensures that the beam path remains stable across module interchanges, effectively mediating between the need for modular adaptability and the requirement for precise beam transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls critical parameters of the mechanical interface, specifically positioning the optical axis within 0.5mm of the first mounting interface and maintaining specific tolerances on mounting element positions. By carefully controlling these geometric parameters, the system achieves beam transmission accuracy better than 50 microns even when modules are interchangeably coupled and uncoupled.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical interfaces are designed for reversible coupling, then ease of operation and maintenance are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need to minimize interface errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment features and precision-machined surfaces directly into the mechanical interfaces during manufacturing. The mounting elements and sockets are pre-positioned with high precision, and the optical channel is pre-aligned relative to these interfaces. This preliminary action during manufacturing ensures that when modules are reversibly coupled, the alignment is maintained without requiring additional adjustment operations.
3Reliability
If the optical axis is positioned away from the mounting interface, then optical performance is improved, but beam accuracy deteriorates due to lateral displacements from mechanical tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the position of the optical axis relative to the mounting interface, specifying that it should be within 0.5mm of the first mounting interface. This parameter optimization balances optical performance requirements with sensitivity to mechanical tolerances. Additionally, the patent positions multiple mounting interfaces at specific locations to create a stable geometric reference framework that minimizes the effect of tolerances on beam accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an optical coupling, comprising: a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, the first and second coupling portions configured to mate in kinematic constraint via a first mounting interface and at least two further mounting interfaces, wherein: the first coupling portion comprises a first mounting element and the second coupling portion comprises a socket, and the first mounting element is receivable in the socket at the first mounting interface such that the first mounting interface constrains lateral displacements of the first coupling portion relative to the second coupling portion when mated; and at least one optical channel for transmitting abeam of light along an optical axis through the optical coupling, the optical channel comprising complementary light-transmitting ports in the first and second coupling portions, wherein the optical axis is not laterally removed from the first mounting interface by more than half the distance between the first mounting interface and the nearest of the further mounting interfaces.