Optical Subassembly Mount with Directed Flexibility

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical subassemblies with monolithic mounts and rotationally symmetrical optical elements face issues with tilting and torsion due to low spring stiffness and external forces, leading to uncontrolled shifting and twisting of the optical element.

Innovation Solution

The optical subassembly employs three connection units with specific length ratios and flexure bearings, guiding the fastening points on a straight line to ensure translational movement and prevent torque, using couplers that are stiff enough to maintain the optical element's position and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If bending beams with low spring stiffness are used to hold the optical element, then the optical element can be held with low strain and thermal expansion can be compensated, but external forces cause uncontrolled shifting and twisting of the optical element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring stiffnessVSAvoidposition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection unit is segmented into multiple functional components: a first spring element for radial flexibility, a second spring element for torque compensation, and a clamping element for securing the optical element. This segmentation allows each component to address specific requirements independently, achieving both low strain holding and position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection unit employs asymmetric design where the first and second spring elements have different orientations and functions. The first spring element provides radial flexibility while the second spring element, oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, specifically compensates for twisting moments. This asymmetric arrangement enables differentiated response to various types of forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If the connection units allow radial expansion compensation, then thermal expansion differences between the optical element and mount can be compensated, but the optical element may tilt under external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion compensationVSAvoidoptical element orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection unit implements local quality by providing different types of flexibility at different locations and orientations. The first spring element provides flexibility in the radial direction for thermal compensation, while the second spring element provides flexibility perpendicular to the optical axis to prevent tilting. This localized differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between thermal adaptability and orientation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If three connection units are used to hold the optical element, then the optical element can be centered and held with low strain, but the mount occupies a large amount of space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentering accuracyVSAvoidmount space

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection unit merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the first spring element, second spring element, and clamping element are combined in one compact unit. This merging allows three connection units to provide all necessary functions (centering, low-strain holding, thermal compensation, and tilt prevention) without requiring additional separate components, thereby reducing the overall space occupied by the mount.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration provides mechanical and thermal stability, preventing tilting and torsion, ensuring low-strain centric positioning and maintaining imaging quality by allowing only translational movement and absorbing external shocks, while minimizing oscillation and maintaining high axial stiffness.

Implementation Method 1

The first coupler is limited in each instance by a third flexure bearing connected to the mounting ring and a first flexure bearing communicating with the third coupler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexure bearing: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The connection units comprise three couplers which are connected to one another... providing mechanical and thermal stability, preventing tilting and torsion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

different thermal expansions between the optical element and mount can be compensated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS9400367B2Optical subassembly with a mount with connection units of directed flexibility

Publication Date: 2016.07.26 JENOPTIK OPTICAL SYSTEMS GMBH

AI summary

A thermally compensated optical subassembly having a rotationally symmetrical optical element and a monolithic mount with a rotationally symmetrical mounting ring, having an axis of symmetry, and at least three connection units. The optical element communicates with the mounting ring via the connection units, so as to be secured against tilting and fixed with respect to torsion. The connection units, in each instance, have three couplers which have a determined length ratio with respect to one another and are connected to one another and to the mounting ring and optical element such that defined conditions are met.