Optical Element Mount With Radial Clamping for Fast Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical element mounting systems require significant mechanical effort to separate and replace, leading to time-consuming processes and risks of contamination and damage during replacement.
Innovation Solution
A mount for optical elements providing a fixed but easily reversible connection, using a U- or C-shaped profile with radially acting elements like wedges, half-shells, and springs to securely hold the element without complete enclosure, allowing easy insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mounting rings with fixed connections are used to secure optical elements, then the optical elements are firmly fixed in position, but significant mechanical effort is required to separate and replace them
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting ring is divided into two functional parts: a circumferential support structure that provides stable positioning, and separate radially acting fastening elements (such as wedge-shaped or hook-shaped elements) that secure the optical element. This segmentation allows the support function to remain fixed while the fastening function can be independently activated or deactivated, enabling easy replacement without compromising positional stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements are designed to be dynamically activatable - they can be engaged to provide secure fixation during operation, and deactivated or disengaged when replacement is needed. This dynamic capability transforms a traditionally static, permanent connection into a controllable, reversible one, resolving the contradiction between firm fixation and ease of replacement.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical elements are firmly fixed in position, then correct positioning and stacking are maintained, but replacement becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the positioning function (provided by the circumferential support) from the fastening function (provided by radially acting elements), the system maintains precise positioning through the stable support structure while allowing rapid replacement by simply disengaging the fastening elements. This eliminates the need to dismantle entire assemblies for replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting ring and fastening elements are pre-configured to automatically maintain positioning accuracy when engaged. The radially acting fastening elements are designed to work in conjunction with predetermined geometric features on the optical element, ensuring correct positioning is established before final fixation, thereby maintaining precision without increasing replacement time.
3Reliability
If complete mechanical assembly is used for mounting, then secure fixation is achieved, but risk of contamination and damage during replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted as separate, independently controllable elements (radially acting fastening elements) that can be engaged or disengaged without affecting the overall assembly structure. This allows replacement to be performed by simply releasing these extracted fastening elements, avoiding the need to dismantle the complete mechanical assembly and thereby reducing contamination and damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially acting fastening elements serve as intermediary mechanisms between the mounting ring and the optical element. They provide secure fixation when engaged, but can be easily disengaged to allow replacement without direct manipulation of the optical element itself, thus acting as a protective intermediary that reduces exposure to contamination and damage risks.
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
Reduces replacement time, minimizes contamination risk, and allows for quick adaptation of optical functions by enabling independent replacement of optical elements, thus reducing downtimes and eliminating the need for full system recalibration.
Implementation Method 1
The mount may have a spring element which acts radially on the optical element
Implementation Method 2
The radially acting element may be designed as a wedge-shaped element
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a mount for an optical element for disposal, comprising an edge having an opening configured such that an optical element can be radially inserted into the mount. A first system may comprise the mount and an optical element for insertion into the mount, and a second system may comprise the first system and a device for receiving the mount. A laser processing head for laser material processing may comprise the second system.