Optical Mount Structure for Independent Plane Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for adjusting the position of 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 and suffer from backlash.
Innovation Solution
The mount employs a configuration of interconnected adjustable devices with rotation devices and biasing elements, allowing for independent adjustments in azimuth, elevation, and roll, using mechanisms like eccentric pins and linear screws, with locking and biasing means to prevent cross-coupling and backlash, enabling precise and efficient alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounts are used for adjusting optical devices, then the structure is simple, but cross-coupling of adjustments occurs and additional alignment steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is divided 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 independent adjustment, eliminating cross-coupling between adjustment axes and enabling straightforward alignment operations.
2Measurement precision
If adjustable devices are added to eliminate cross-coupling, then alignment precision is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions are merged into a single integrated mount structure. The three adjustable devices are rigidly coupled together in an L-shape configuration, sharing common mounting interfaces and coordination mechanisms, which reduces the overall number of separate components compared to traditional multi-device alignment systems.
3Ease of operation
If independent rotational freedom is provided for each axis, then cross-coupling is minimized, but backlash may occur in the adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Biasing elements are incorporated into each rotation device to apply preliminary counteracting forces that prevent backlash. The biasing means actively counteracts the harmful backlash effect before it can affect alignment precision, while maintaining the independent rotational freedom of each adjustment axis.
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 configuration allows for efficient and precise adjustment of optical devices by minimizing cross-coupling and backlash, reducing the time needed for alignment and enabling easy replacement of devices without re-alignment, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The rotation device may comprise a biasing element configured to provide a biasing force to the rotation device to reduce, eliminate or substantially eliminate backlash on the mount when adjusting the adjustment device.
Data Source
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.