Optical Encoder Fiber Holder Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical encoders using optical fibers face challenges in maintaining a stable optical connection due to external environmental changes, such as temperature variations, which can cause relative position offsets between the light source unit and the detection head, leading to light loss and instability in the optical connection.
Innovation Solution
The optical encoder incorporates a light source fiber holder with a nut abutment and allows for displacement of the light source holder with respect to the collimating lens, enabling a separable connection that maintains a stable optical link through precise alignment and adjustment mechanisms, including a detent pin and female threading system, to ensure accurate positioning and minimize light loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light source unit and detection head are connected via optical fiber, then electronic components can be separated from the detection head, but the relative positions of the optical fibers may be offset due to external environmental changes such as temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable light source holder that can be adjusted along the optical axis to change the distance between the light source and collimating lens. This parameter adjustment compensates for thermal expansion and contraction of the optical fibers, maintaining optimal optical coupling conditions despite temperature variations and preventing connection instability
Solution Approach 2:
The light source holder is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the light source position. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to environmental changes such as temperature fluctuations, maintaining stable optical connection by compensating for relative position offsets between optical components
2Loss of energy
If the positions of the light source unit and detection head are matched with high degree of accuracy, then light transmission to the detection head can be achieved without loss, but the position matching may become unfavorable when environmental conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables adjustment of the light source-to-lens distance parameter to maintain optimal optical coupling. By changing this parameter in response to environmental conditions, the system preserves efficient light transmission while adapting to thermal expansion and contraction, preventing both light loss and connection instability
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 configuration allows for a stable and reproducible optical connection, even under environmental changes, by enabling precise alignment and adjustment of the light source and detection head, thereby maintaining high accuracy and reducing light loss during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber is used to transmit emitted light from a light source unit to the detection head
Implementation Method 2
a collimating lens (73) that converts light emitted from the light source (71) into parallel light
Implementation Method 3
an optical encoder including a detection head (2) separably connected to a light source (7), and a fiber bundle (3) connecting the light source and the detection head
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An optical encoder includes a light source fiber holder holding a light source fiber and a collecting lens therein, and a nut. The light source fiber holder includes an end fitting together with a light source base. An outer circumferential surface of the end includes an inclined surface inclining such that a cross-sectional area increases as the surface approaches the light source fiber; and a projection capable of advancing into a groove of the light source base. The optical encoder includes a light source connector and the light source fiber holder.