Optical Mount Alignment With Independent Zero-Backlash Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical mounts and adjustment stages suffer from cross-coupling between adjustment inputs, leading to undesired displacements and requiring multiple iterations for precise alignment, and are often bulky and costly.
Innovation Solution
A compact adjustable apparatus with a virtual center pivot, utilizing spheres and cylindrical pins for independent linear and rotary displacements, and preloaded springs for zero backlash movement, allowing 4, 5, or 6 degrees-of-freedom adjustments without cross-coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting apparatus is used, then the mounting position is stable and secure, but it cannot be reused or adjusted for different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus transitions from a fixed state to a movable state through the release mechanism. The block is initially held in a fixed position by the retaining structure, then can be moved to different locations by actuating the release mechanism, which disengages the retaining structure to allow repositioning along the mounting surface
2Adaptability or versatility
If a removable mounting apparatus is used, then it can be relocated to different positions, but the mounting connection becomes weaker and less secure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection strength dynamically adjusts between a locked state (when the block engages with the retaining structure) and an unlocked state (when the release mechanism disengages the retaining structure). This allows the mounting to provide maximum strength when fixed and enable relocation when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus is divided into separable components: the block with mounting feature, the mounting surface with receiving structure, and the release mechanism. This segmentation allows the components to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining strong connection during use
3Reliability
If adhesive or mechanical fastening is used, then the mounting is secure, but the mounting surface and method are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus uses a universal mounting feature (such as a standardized interface or geometry) that can engage with various mounting surfaces and receiving structures. This allows the same block to be mounted on different surfaces using different methods while maintaining secure attachment and enabling relocation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The presently claimed and described technology provides an apparatus (500, 1000A, 1000B) configured to adjustably position a focal location (14) of a first instrument (12) of a first body (10, 20, 60) with respect to a target location (44, 54) of a second instrument (42, 42H, 42U, 52) of a second body (40, 50). The apparatus further includes a third body (30), a first joint (210), and a second joint (310). The first joint is configured to adjustably linearly position the first body with respect to the third body along a first axis (A2) and thereby perform a first adjustment and is further configured to adjustably rotatably position the first body with respect to the third body about the first axis (A2) and thereby perform a second adjustment. The second joint is configured to adjustably linearly position the second body with respect to the third body along a second axis (A3) and thereby perform a third adjustment and further configured to adjustably rotatably position the second body with respect to the third body about the second axis (A3) and thereby perform a fourth adjustment. Each of the first, second, third, and/or fourth adjustments are performed independently of each other and may have zero backlash. Additional third axis (Al, A1A, A1B) linear and/or rotational adjustment mechanism(s) may be added. In certain embodiments, the first, second, and/or third axes intersect each other at a point (P).