Optical Rail Mount With Quick-Disconnect Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical rail systems require significant effort to add or remove optical component mounts between already-installed mounts, disrupting the measurement environment and making frequent reconfigurations cumbersome due to the need to remove and reposition existing mounts.
Innovation Solution
An optical rail system with a mount configuration that allows new mounts to be inserted or removed without displacing existing ones, utilizing a friction fit and locking mechanism with flexible flanges and screws to secure rails within grooves, enabling easy reconfiguration by allowing mounts to be added or removed without disturbing the alignment of other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional optical rail systems use thru-hole mounting method, then mechanical stability is achieved, but adding or removing mounts between existing mounts requires removing and repositioning existing mounts, increasing time and effort for reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into independent modular components: rails, mounts with multiple thru-holes, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows individual mounts to be added or removed without affecting the structural integrity or positioning of other mounts on the optical rail system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static mounting state to a dynamic one through the introduction of a movable locking mechanism. The locking member can be shifted between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling quick installation and removal of mounts without permanent fixation, thus facilitating rapid reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical component mounts are securely fixed to rails, then alignment stability is maintained, but frequent reconfigurations become cumbersome due to the need to remove and reposition existing mounts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the mount to the rail, maintains precise alignment, and enables quick release for reconfiguration. The same structural features (thru-holes, locking members, grooves) perform both stabilization and adaptability functions without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the mount and the rail. It provides the necessary connection and alignment while allowing controlled movement for installation and removal, mediating between the need for stable fixation and the need for easy reconfiguration.
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
Facilitates efficient reconfiguration of optical measurement systems by allowing optical components to be easily inserted or removed without disturbing the alignment of other components, reducing the time and effort required for system adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the grooves are configured to register with the respective portions of the rails in a friction fit manner
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a friction fit and locking mechanism with flexible flanges and screws to secure rails within grooves
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical rail system that includes an electronic component mount configured to be mounted on rails between two previously-mounted electronic component mounts without the need of removing one of the two previous-mounted mounts. The electronic component mount includes grooves configured to securely register with respective portions of the rails. The mount further comprises locking devices for securely locking the portions of the rails to the housing within the grooves.