Optical Mount Ball-Bearing Adjustment for Repeatable Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical mount assemblies with manual adjustors are cumbersome, time-consuming, and lack repeatability in achieving precise alignment of optical components, especially under vibrations and temperature fluctuations, and cannot be automated due to reliance on manual tightening.
Innovation Solution
An optical mount assembly with a ball bearing adjustment mechanism, where a motor engages an adjustment fastener to precisely align optical components, providing fine movement and securement through a ball bearing and cap configuration, allowing for automated alignment and securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustors are used for aligning optical components, then alignment adjustment is possible, but the operation is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustors with an automated motor-driven adjustment mechanism. The motor rotates the adjustment fastener to precisely position the ball bearing, eliminating the need for manual operation and significantly reducing alignment time while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback sensors that detect the alignment status of optical components and automatically control the motor to achieve precise alignment. The system serves itself by using sensor feedback to autonomously adjust components without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If manual adjustors are used for aligning optical components, then alignment can be achieved, but repeatability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback sensors that continuously monitor the alignment status of optical components. The sensor signals are fed back to the control system, which adjusts the motor position to achieve and maintain precise alignment. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high repeatability and precision, eliminating the variability inherent in manual adjustment.
3Extent of automation
If manual adjustors are used for aligning optical components, then alignment adjustment is possible, but automation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated electromechanical system. A motor drives the adjustment fastener to position the ball bearing, and a locking mechanism automatically secures the position. This substitution achieves full automation of the alignment process while maintaining ease of operation through electronic control.
4Strength
If force is applied to tighten manual adjustors, then securement is achieved, but optical components become misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the adjustment function and the securement function into distinct mechanisms. The motor-driven adjustment fastener positions the ball bearing for alignment, while a separate locking mechanism (such as a set screw or clamp) provides securement. This segmentation allows securement force to be applied without affecting the precision alignment achieved by the adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment using the motor-driven adjustment mechanism before applying securement force. The alignment is achieved and locked in place before the locking mechanism is engaged, ensuring that the securement force does not disrupt the precise alignment. This preliminary action sequence prevents the misalignment problem caused by simultaneous adjustment and tightening.
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
The solution enables precise, repeatable, and automated alignment of optical components, addressing the inaccuracies and inefficiencies of manual adjustors, while ensuring stability and alignment stability even under vibrations and temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment mechanism(s) includes a ball bearing disposed within the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An optical mount assembly includes a first plate configured to mount one or more optical components and a second plate arranged adjacent to the first plate and comprising a cavity formed therein. The first plate has an opening formed therein. The optical mount assembly further includes at least one adjustment mechanism secured to the first and second plates for adjusting the optical component(s). The adjustment mechanism(s) includes a ball bearing disposed within the cavity. The ball bearing defines a through hole. Further, the adjustment mechanism(s) includes an adjustment fastener extending through the opening in the first plate and at least partially within the through hole of the ball bearing.