Optical Rotating Data Transmission Device Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating data transmission devices face challenges in adjusting optical axes to be coaxial with the rotation axis, leading to signal attenuation and high adjustment complexity, especially with GRIN lenses where optical axes are often tilted relative to the geometrical axis, requiring expensive pre-selected components.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for adjusting optical rotating data transmission devices by measuring the distance and tilt of the light-beam axis from the rotation axis and minimizing these deviations through shifting and tilting of collimators, using detectors and control units to optimize alignment, and fixing the collimators with a setting compound to maintain precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pre-selected components with close tolerances are employed to ensure coaxial alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable mounting structures that allow dynamic positioning of collimators during assembly. The mounting components include adjustment mechanisms that enable real-time alignment optimization, transforming a static, fixed-position system into a dynamic, adjustable one. This resolves the contradiction by providing flexibility without requiring expensive pre-selected components with tight tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable parameters in the mounting system, allowing modification of position and orientation parameters of the collimators. By changing these parameters during assembly, the system can achieve optimal alignment without relying on pre-selected components with fixed, tight tolerances. This parameter adjustment capability reduces both cost and complexity while maintaining precision.
2Reliability
If GRIN lenses are used as collimators, then optical performance is improved, but the optical axis becomes tilted relative to the geometrical axis, requiring expensive pre-selected components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanically precise pre-selected components with an optical measurement and adjustment system. Instead of depending on mechanical tolerances to ensure coaxial alignment, the system uses optical detectors to measure the actual light beam path and adjusts the collimator position accordingly. This substitution of mechanical precision with optical measurement resolves the contradiction by accommodating the inherent tilt of GRIN lenses through active correction rather than requiring expensive pre-aligned components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where optical detectors measure the position of the light beam axis and this information is fed back to adjust the collimator mounting. The feedback loop continuously monitors alignment and makes real-time corrections, allowing the system to compensate for the tilted optical axis of GRIN lenses. This feedback mechanism maintains optical performance while eliminating the need for expensive pre-selected components with perfect alignment.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustment mechanisms are added to align optical axes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustment function into separate, modular components. The mounting system is segmented into adjustable elements that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly procedures where each component can be adjusted independently to achieve optimal alignment, making the overall manufacturing process easier despite the added adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-aligning features in the mounting system that automatically adjust to optimize optical alignment during assembly. The adjustable mounting components are designed to self-correct minor misalignments through their inherent adjustment mechanisms, reducing the need for complex external alignment procedures. This self-service capability simplifies assembly while maintaining high precision axis coaxiality.
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 approach allows for efficient adjustment and alignment of collimators, reducing signal attenuation and simplifying the adjustment process, while ensuring stability and accuracy without the need for expensive components, and is insensitive to temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one unit has a coaxial collimator for coupling light in or out
Implementation Method 2
measuring a distance of a light-beam axis from the rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adjusting an optical rotating data transmission device having two units that are rotatable with respect to each other about a rotation axis, and that each have a coaxial collimator for coupling light in or out, and relates also to an optical rotating data transmission device that is adjustable by means of the method. For an adjustment, a deviation of a light beam from the rotation axis is determined by means of two detectors at different distances, and from this a positional deviation and also a tilt of the light beam is calculated and suitably compensated.