Optical Rotary Joint with Active Alignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary joints for transmitting optical signals between rotatable units require complex gear mechanisms for precise alignment, which are costly and prone to mechanical tolerance issues, limiting their efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adjustable collimator arrangements with actuators capable of movement along two axes, combined with derotating optical elements like Dove prisms or MEMS mirror arrays, allows for independent alignment and derotation of light-waveguides, eliminating the need for precise mechanical gear mechanisms and enabling higher mechanical tolerances in the bearing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a precise gear mechanism is used to rotate the Dove prism at half the angular velocity, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity and mechanical tolerance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear mechanism with an active optical compensation system. Instead of mechanically rotating the Dove prism at half the angular velocity through precise gears, the system uses adjustable collimators with actuators that can be controlled independently to compensate for rotational misalignment. This substitution eliminates the complex mechanical gear system while achieving the same alignment function through optical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability through actuators on the collimators. These actuators can be adjusted in real-time along two axes to compensate for rotational movements, replacing the static mechanical gear system with a dynamic optical compensation system that adapts to changing conditions.
2Measurement precision
If a precise gear mechanism is used to rotate the Dove prism, then the alignment precision is improved, but the mechanical tolerance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear and bearing system with an optical compensation system. The adjustable collimators with actuators compensate for misalignment caused by bearing tolerances, eliminating the need for high-precision mechanical bearings and gears. This substitution directly addresses the tolerance issue by using optical means to correct mechanical imperfections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control through control units that monitor the optical alignment and adjust the collimator actuators accordingly. This feedback mechanism compensates for bearing tolerances and maintains precise alignment without requiring high mechanical precision in the bearing system.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustable collimators with actuators are used, then the mechanical tolerance requirements are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate adjustable collimator units, each with its own actuator and control. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each collimator to compensate for misalignment, reducing the overall mechanical tolerance requirements while managing complexity through modular design.
4Loss of energy
If a derotating optical element is used, then the transmission losses are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces derotating optical elements (such as Dove prisms or mirror arrays) as intermediaries between the collimator arrangements. These elements actively compensate for rotational misalignment and redirect light along the correct path, reducing transmission losses caused by misalignment while adding controlled optical complexity.
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
This solution simplifies the mechanical setup, reduces weight and fabrication costs, and achieves low transmission losses even with higher mechanical tolerances, ensuring reliable and efficient optical signal transmission across rotations.
Implementation Method 1
a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on a first set of light-waveguides including at least one light-waveguide; a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on a second set of light-waveguides
Implementation Method 2
a derotating optical element located in a light path between the first collimator arrangement and the second collimator arrangement
Implementation Method 3
at least one MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical System) mirror array is provided between the first set of light-waveguides and the second set of light-waveguides; and at least one control unit is provided for controlling the at least one MEMS mirror array to deflect light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical rotary joint includes a first collimator arrangement for coupling on first light-waveguides, and a second collimator arrangement for coupling on second light-waveguides, with the second collimator arrangement being supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. The collimator arrangements include collimators with an actuator that is adjustable along two axes. A control unit controls the actuators so that mechanical tolerances are compensated, and optical transmission loss between the collimator arrangements is minimal.