Optical Mover with Nanometer Fine and Micrometer Coarse Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical element alignment technologies face challenges in achieving precise sub-micro-meter alignment, requiring skilled technicians and limiting mass production due to the inadequacy of existing nanomovers for larger distance adjustments and micromovers for fine adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An optical mover with combined nanometer fine adjustment and micrometer coarse adjustment capabilities, utilizing a fine-adjusting button with a screwing ring and weak spring, and a coarse control button with a screwing ring and strong spring, allowing precise alignment of optical elements like optical fibers and photo diodes by compressing or expanding springs to achieve precise axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a nanomover is used for fine adjustment, then alignment precision is improved, but the device cannot handle larger distance adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent adjustment mechanisms: a nanomover for fine adjustment (0-10 micrometer range) and a micromover for coarse adjustment (10 micrometer to millimeter range). Each mechanism handles a specific portion of the total adjustment range, allowing the system to achieve both high precision and large adjustment capability by combining the outputs of the two segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a micromover is used for coarse adjustment, then adjustment range is improved, but alignment precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is segmented into two stages: first using a micromover for coarse adjustment to cover the large range (10 micrometer to millimeter), then using a nanomover for fine adjustment to achieve sub-micrometer precision. This sequential segmentation allows the system to overcome the limitation of single-mechanism devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If experienced technicians are used for alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but production efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service alignment through its dual-mechanism structure. The micromover and nanomover work together to automatically position optical elements with high precision without requiring skilled technician intervention. The mechanical design allows operators to simply rotate the adjustment knobs while the internal spring mechanisms handle the precise positioning, transforming a skill-dependent process into a routine operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-mechanism device is designed, then adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The micromover and nanomover are merged into a single integrated device housing with shared support structures and common adjustment knobs. The micromover mechanism includes a first middle shaft and first spring, while the nanomover includes a second middle shaft and second spring, both within the same structural framework. This merging approach allows the system to achieve enhanced adjustment capability while minimizing the increase in overall complexity through shared components.
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
Enables precise alignment of optical elements with improved precision, reduced height, volume, weight, and cost, overcoming the limitations of prior art by allowing for both fine and coarse adjustments within the required precision levels, facilitating efficient optical element connection.
Implementation Method 1
a weak spring located within the front channel; one end of the weak spring being retained to a protrusion at one end of the fine moving shaft and winding around the fine moving shaft; movement of the fine moving shaft will compress or expand the weak spring
Implementation Method 2
a strong spring being installed in the rear channel below the supporting seat; one end of the strong spring resisting against the inner flange of the supporting seat and another end of the strong spring being retained to a fixed wall
Implementation Method 3
a fine-adjusting button including a fine screwing ring, a first fixing rod, and a first middle shaft; the fine screwing ring can screwedly move along the first fixing rod to push the first middle shaft to move axially
Implementation Method 4
a coarse control button including a coarse screwing ring, a second fixing rod and a second middle shaft; the coarse screwing ring moving along the second fixing rod to push the second middle shaft to move axially
Data Source
AI summary
An optical mover with functions of nanometer fine adjustment and micrometer coarse adjustment is mainly used to align two optical elements for connecting two optical elements, such as connection of two optical fibers, connection of one optical fiber with a photo diode, or connection of one optical fiber and one optical waveguide. In using, one optical element is placed upon the supporting seat for fine position adjustment, and another optical element is fixed on an external retainer for aligning to the former optical element on the supporting seat. A coarse control button is firstly used to coarsely adjust the position of the former optical element to approximately align to the later optical element. Then a fine-adjusting button is used to fine adjust the position therebetween so as to well align the two optical elements to a desire level for further operation, such as connecting the two elements.