Optical Image Measurement Device Fiber Alignment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional optical image measuring devices face challenges in aligning the fiber end of the optical fiber guiding interference light with the light detector, requiring labor-intensive manual adjustments and being prone to misalignment due to environmental factors, which affects the quality and timing of image formation.

Innovation Solution

An optical image measuring device with an automated fiber end driving mechanism that adjusts the positional relationship between the fiber end and the light-receiving surface based on the irradiation state, ensuring proper alignment and maintaining it despite environmental changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment adjustment is used between fiber end and light detector, then alignment can be achieved, but it requires substantial labor and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting the light receiver's position relative to the fiber end and adjusting the fiber end position accordingly, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The light receiver detects the position of the fiber end and provides feedback signals to the position adjusting mechanism, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically maintains optimal alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If manual alignment adjustment is used between fiber end and light detector, then alignment can be achieved, but it requires calling servicemen from maintenance service companies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting the light receiver's position relative to the fiber end and adjusting the fiber end position accordingly, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated system combining optical detection (light receiver) and mechanical positioning (position adjusting mechanism), substituting human labor with automated devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If fixed positional relationship between fiber end and light detector is maintained, then alignment can be achieved initially, but it is easily altered by shock or environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed alignment to a dynamic adjustable alignment, where the fiber end position can be automatically adjusted in response to environmental changes or shocks to maintain optimal alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The light receiver continuously monitors the alignment between fiber end and detector, providing feedback to the position adjusting mechanism to compensate for disturbances and maintain stable alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If precise alignment between fiber end and light-receiving surface is required, then image quality can be ensured, but the alignment is difficult to maintain due to the minute fiber end surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting the light receiver's position relative to the fiber end and adjusting the fiber end position accordingly, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated system combining optical detection (light receiver) and mechanical positioning (position adjusting mechanism), substituting human labor with automated devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables easy and precise adjustment of the fiber end and light-receiving surface alignment, improving the reliability and timeliness of image formation, reducing the need for manual intervention and maintaining optimal alignment even under environmental fluctuations.

Implementation Method 1

an optical fiber (light guiding part) to exit from a fiber end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

dispersing (spectral resolving) an interference light that is based on the reflected light thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP1950526B1Optical image measurement device
Publication Date: 2010.03.10 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP1950526B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1950526B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1950526B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical image measuring device, like a Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomograph, forms an image of an object to be measured based on a result of light-receiving by a light-receiving part like a CDD camera (184) as part of a spectrometer. This optical image measuring device comprises: a specifying part configured to specify the light irradiated state of the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving part with respect to a light guiding part (165), like an optical fibre, and a dispersion part (182); and an altering part (244) configured to alter the relative position and/or orientation between a light-receiving surface and the exit end (165a) of the light guiding part (165), based on the light irradiated state.The light irradiated state is an indication of how the light impinges on the surface of the detector (184).