Optical Element Holder Alignment for Non-Rotational Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting optical elements in mounts fail to adequately compensate for deviations in relative position and orientation due to production tolerances, leading to reduced imaging quality in optical devices, particularly for optical elements with non-rotationally symmetric surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method for adjusting the mount of an optical element with non-rotationally symmetric surfaces involves specifying a target pose, ascertaining the actual pose, and forming reference elements on the mount to compensate for deviations in position and orientation, using CNC-controlled processing to define specific azimuthal and translational alignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If centration turning methods are used to process the mount, then the axis of symmetry of the mount can be brought into correspondence with the optical axis of the held optical element, but the method only leads to mounts with reference surfaces in the form of a cylinder or an oblique cylinder, which limits flexibility for optical elements without rotational symmetry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing reference elements with asymmetric geometries (such as flat surfaces, grooves, or protrusions) on the mount that do not possess rotational symmetry. These asymmetric reference elements enable precise positioning and orientation adjustment for optical elements without rotational symmetry, allowing the mount to adapt to various optical element geometries while maintaining high alignment precision through CNC-controlled processing.
2Ease of manufacture
If production tolerances are present in the mount and optical element, then manufacturing is feasible and cost-effective, but deviations in relative position and orientation occur, reducing imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining reference elements on the mount before the optical element is installed. These reference elements are precisely positioned and oriented according to the desired target pose, enabling subsequent adjustment processes to compensate for production tolerances. The reference elements serve as a predetermined framework that guides the alignment process and facilitates achievement of the target pose despite manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a measurement and adjustment loop where the actual pose of the optical element is measured relative to the reference elements, compared to the target pose, and used to determine necessary adjustments. This feedback mechanism enables systematic compensation for production tolerances through iterative adjustment of the mount or optical element until the desired alignment is achieved.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustment processing is performed on the mount, then deviations in relative position and orientation can be compensated, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining reference elements on the mount before the optical element is installed. These reference elements are precisely positioned and oriented according to the desired target pose, enabling subsequent adjustment processes to compensate for production tolerances. The reference elements serve as a predetermined framework that guides the alignment process and facilitates achievement of the target pose despite manufacturing variations.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element held in a holder has a first optical surface which has no rotational symmetry with regard to its imaging axis. The holder has at least one reference element, which defines a position and/or orientation of the holder in a predefined coordinate system which compensates for a difference between an actual pose of the first optical surface and a target pose of the first optical surface in the holder at least in one degree of freedom. The reference element defines at least one specific azimuthal position of the holder. Also provided is a method for adjusting the holder of an optical element that has at least a first optical surface, which has no rotational symmetry with regard to its imaging axis, to a difference between an actual pose of the first optical surface and a target pose of the first optical surface in the holder.