Optical Positioning Device Using Clamping Element for Precision Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geodetic surveying devices with positioning devices for focusing optics in telescopes face complexities in design, including high component count, potential for internal self-damage during motor malfunctions, and challenges in precise radial positioning of sliding members, leading to inaccuracies in optical axis alignment.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with a rotatable spindle and sliding member, utilizing a clamping element like a leaf spring to ensure play-free contact between spindle and counter-segment, and separate guides for linear and pivotable movement, reducing the need for additional pressing mechanisms and simplifying the design to prevent self-damage and enhance precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a positioning device with spindle and sliding member is used for adjusting focusing optics, then high precision positioning along the optical axis is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple guides and pressing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing function is extracted from a separate mechanism and integrated into the clamping element itself. The clamping element simultaneously performs both clamping and pressing functions, eliminating the need for additional pressing mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed as a multi-functional component that combines clamping, pressing, and guiding functions. This single element performs multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the required positioning precision along the optical axis.
2Reliability
If additional pressing mechanisms are added to ensure contact between spindle and counter-segment, then positioning reliability is improved, but the quantity of components and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism is merged with the clamping element to form a single integrated component. The clamping element's elastic deformation provides the necessary pressing force on the counter-segment, eliminating the need for separate pressing mechanisms and reducing component count while ensuring reliable contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element generates its own pressing force through elastic deformation when clamped. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external pressing mechanisms, reducing component count while maintaining reliable contact between the spindle and counter-segment throughout the positioning range.
3Measurement precision
If the sliding member is constrained to move only along the optical axis, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple guides
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding function is segmented between two distinct guides: the first guide provides linear movement along the optical axis, while the second guide provides pivoting movement. This segmentation allows each guide to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining positioning accuracy while simplifying the overall guide structure compared to a single complex guide.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system uses two guides operating in different dimensional aspects: one guide controls movement along the optical axis (primary dimension), while the other guide controls pivoting movement (secondary dimension). This dimensional separation simplifies each guide's structure while maintaining overall positioning accuracy through coordinated operation.
4Device complexity
If a leaf spring clamping element is used to provide pressing force, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force application precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element's elastic properties are optimized to provide consistent pressing force throughout the clamping range. By carefully selecting the elastic modulus, geometry, and material of the leaf spring, the pressing force parameter is controlled to maintain sufficient and consistent contact between the spindle and counter-segment, achieving acceptable force precision without complex mechanisms.
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 results in a less complex and cost-effective design that maintains high precision in optical axis alignment, reduces the risk of internal damage during motor failures, and allows for independent adjustment of guides to minimize tracking errors, thereby improving the accuracy of geodetic measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping element is designed as a leaf spring... which exerts such a force that the sliding member... is clamped
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a positioning device with a rotatable spindle, a sliding element, wherein a spindle counter-segment of the sliding element is displaced along the spindle when the spindle is rotated, a first guide for the sliding element which interacts with a first guide counter-segment of the sliding element and thereby allows the sliding element linear movement along the first guide axis as well as pivotability about the first guide axis, and a second guide for the sliding element which interacts with a second guide counter-segment of the sliding element and thereby limits the pivotability of the sliding element about the first guide axis.According to the invention, a clamping element designed and arranged in such a way as to exert such a force is provided, such that the sliding member – with regard to its pivotability about the first guide axis granted by the first guide – is clamped with its spindle counter-segment and its second guide counter-segment between the spindle and the second guide, respectively, so that – in dual functionality – by means of the force exerted by the clamping element together with an anchoring of the sliding member effected by the first guide, both the spindle counter-segment and the spindle – and the second guide counter-segment and the second guide element are pressed together.