Optical Mount Alignment with Independent Three-Axis Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mount systems for adjusting optical devices, such as head-up displays, face inefficiencies due to cross-coupling of adjustments, which require additional alignment steps and increase time in aligning devices, as they lack independent rotational freedom for each adjustment axis.
Innovation Solution
The mount system incorporates three adjustable devices with rotation devices and biasing elements, allowing independent adjustments in translational and rotational degrees of freedom, minimizing cross-coupling through L-shaped configurations and utilizing mechanisms like screw jacks, pitched threads, and spherical bearings to enable precise and independent azimuth, elevation, and roll adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mount systems are used for adjusting optical devices, then device mounting is achieved, but cross-coupling of adjustments occurs requiring additional alignment steps and increasing alignment time
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system divides the adjustment mechanism into three independent adjustable devices, each responsible for a specific rotational degree of freedom (azimuth, elevation, roll). Each device contains its own rotation mechanism with spherical bearings and biasing elements, allowing independent adjustment without cross-coupling effects. This segmentation eliminates the need for repeated alignment steps and reduces alignment time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable devices with rotation mechanisms are incorporated, then independent rotational freedom is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three adjustable devices are nested within a compact L-shaped configuration where devices are rigidly coupled at perpendicular orientations. Each adjustable device contains nested components including spherical bearings within rotation mechanisms, and biasing elements within the rotation devices. This nesting achieves independent rotational freedom while maintaining a space-efficient structure.
3Ease of operation
If L-shaped configuration with rigid coupling is used, then cross-coupling is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each adjustable device incorporates biasing elements that automatically apply biasing forces to maintain proper orientation and reduce backlash. The spherical bearings self-adjust to maintain contact between adjustment axes, ensuring perpendicularity is maintained during operation. This self-service mechanism compensates for minor manufacturing tolerances and maintains adjustment independence.
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 allows for efficient and precise alignment of optical devices by minimizing cross-coupling effects, reducing the need for repeated alignment steps and enabling quick reconfiguration or replacement of devices without losing alignment, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first adjustable device 110, second adjustable device 120 and third adjustable device 130 may comprise a spherical bearing
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first adjustable device 110, second adjustable device 120 and third adjustable device 130 may comprise a biasing element configured to provide a biasing force to a rotation device
Implementation Method 3
utilizing mechanisms like screw jacks, pitched threads
Implementation Method 4
utilizing mechanisms like screw jacks, pitched threads
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A mount for adjusting a mounting plane is disclosed. The mount comprises a first adjustable device, a second adjustable device and a third adjustable device. A first intersection between the first adjustable device and the second adjustable device forming a first principal axis and a second intersection between the second adjustable device and the third adjustable device forming a second principal axis substantially perpendicular to the first principal axis. The first adjustable device, second adjustable device and third adjustable device rigidly coupled together. The first adjustable device is configurable to be adjusted in a first translational degree of freedom, and substantially constrain the first adjustable device in remaining translational degrees of freedom, wherein adjustment of the first adjustable device in the first translational degree of freedom causes a rotation of the mounting plane about the second principal axis. The second adjustable device is configurable to be adjusted in a second translational degree of freedom, and substantially constrain the second adjustable device in remaining translational degrees of freedom, wherein adjustment of the second adjustable device in the second translational degree of freedom causes a rotation of the mounting plane about a third principal axis, perpendicular to the first and second principal axis. The third adjustable device is configurable to be adjusted substantially in the first translational degree of freedom, and substantially constrain the third adjustable device in remaining translational degrees of freedom, wherein adjustment of the third adjustable device in the first translational degree of freedom causes a rotation of the mounting plane about the first principal axis. A first end of each adjustable device is configured to be fixed in location and a second end forms the mounting plane. Each adjustable device comprises a rotation device located between the first end and the second end of each adjustable device, the rotation device configured to allow the second end to rotate about three degrees of freedom.