Optical Focusing Group Actuator for Torsion-Free Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical code readers face challenges in maintaining optical alignment during manual adjustment of the focusing distance, resulting in torsional stresses that can disrupt the alignment between the optical detection and focusing groups.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical actuator with a gripping member and control member is used to move the optical focusing group along the optical axis, minimizing torsional stresses by applying a pushing action externally, allowing for easy adjustment of the focusing distance without altering the internal structure of the optical module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated screwdriver is used to manually adjust the focusing distance by rotating the adjustment screw, then the focusing distance can be adjusted, but high torque is generated that alters the optical alignment between the detection group and focusing group
Solution Approach 1:
A threaded insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the adjustment screw and the optical focusing group. The threaded insert engages with the adjustment screw to transmit rotational motion to axial movement, while its threaded structure converts the rotational torque into linear displacement without generating harmful torsional stresses on the optical components. This intermediary mechanism allows precise control of the focusing group's position along the optical axis while maintaining optical alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct mechanical connection between the adjustment screw and the optical focusing group is replaced with a threaded insert mechanism. Instead of the adjustment screw directly rotating the focusing group (which creates torque and misalignment), the threaded insert converts rotational motion into axial movement through threading, substituting a mechanical direct-drive system with a screw-threaded conversion system that eliminates torsional stresses on optical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical focusing group is moved along the optical axis to adjust focusing distance, then the focusing distance can be changed, but torsional stresses disrupt the optical alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded insert serves as a mediator between the adjustment mechanism and the optical focusing group. It converts rotational motion into pure axial movement through its threaded structure, ensuring that the optical focusing group moves only along the optical axis without experiencing torsional stresses that would disrupt alignment. This intermediary component decouples the adjustment function from the optical components, maintaining stability during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the parameter of motion from rotational to axial by utilizing the threaded insert. Instead of rotating the optical focusing group (which creates torsional stress), the threaded insert converts the rotational input into linear axial movement of the focusing group along the optical axis. This parameter transformation eliminates the harmful torsional component while achieving the desired focusing distance adjustment.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional structural components are added to counteract torque and maintain optical alignment, then optical alignment can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded insert is a relatively simple intermediary component that performs multiple functions: it converts rotational motion to axial movement, eliminates torsional stresses on optical components, and maintains optical alignment during adjustment. By using this single well-designed intermediary component rather than adding multiple complex structural elements, the patent achieves optical alignment maintenance with minimal increase in device complexity.
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 solution ensures precise optical alignment during focusing distance adjustment, maintaining high resolution capabilities without additional structural components, and allows for easy visual indication and fine control of the focusing distance.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded insert (72) engaged with the adjustment screw (71) wherein the threaded insert (72) converts the rotational movement of the adjustment screw (71) into an axial movement of the optical focusing group (21)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a device (10) for the acquisition of optical information, in one embodiment including an external case (11) and, within the case (11), an optical module (20) including an optical focusing group (21) having an optical axis (X). The device (10) may further include, within the case (11), a mechanical actuator (50) associated with the optical focusing group (21) and configured in such a way as to move the optical focusing group (21) along the optical axis (X). The mechanical actuator (50) may include a gripping member (51) of the optical focusing group (21) arranged externally with respect to the optical module (20) and associated with the optical focusing group (21) on opposite sides with respect to the optical axis (X). The gripping member (51) can be moved along a direction parallel to the optical axis (X) such as by way of a control member (70) extending coaxially to the optical axis (X) and operatable in rotation around the optical axis (X) from the outside of the case (11).