Optical Switching Assembly Over-Center Lock Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges in efficiently and precisely aligning and de-aligning optical elements within an optical path without requiring continuous energy input, which can lead to instability and misalignment due to vibrations or power loss.
Innovation Solution
A four-bar linkage mechanism with over-center positions, utilizing a pivotable rocker arm, connecting arm, and optical support, along with a spring to maintain alignment or de-alignment without additional energy, and adjustable stops for precise positioning, allowing the optical support to move between aligned and non-aligned positions with mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous energy input is used to maintain optical element alignment, then positioning precision is improved, but energy consumption increases and system reliability decreases under power loss conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is positioned using periodic mechanical action through the four-bar linkage that achieves alignment at specific discrete positions (aligned and non-aligned) rather than continuous positioning. The linkage naturally locks at these periodic positions through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for continuous energy input to maintain alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar linkage mechanism is designed to self-lock at its over-center positions through its own geometric configuration and inherent mechanical properties. The linkage structure itself provides the stabilization and positioning without requiring external energy input or active control systems, making the system self-sufficient for maintaining alignment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If continuous energy input is applied to maintain optical element position, then alignment stability is improved, but system reliability under power loss deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves stable alignment at discrete periodic positions through the four-bar linkage geometry. The linkage naturally returns to and maintains these specific aligned positions through its mechanical configuration, providing inherent stability without requiring continuous power input or active control during normal operation or power loss events.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar linkage mechanism provides self-stabilization through its over-center geometric configuration. When the linkage reaches an over-center position, its own structure creates a stable equilibrium point that resists displacement, automatically maintaining alignment stability without external energy input or active control systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If mechanical linkage with over-center positions is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage is designed with specific geometric parameters that define precise over-center positions. By carefully selecting the link lengths and pivot point locations, the system achieves both energy efficiency and positioning precision at these discrete periodic positions, where the linkage naturally locks with high repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning precision of the four-bar linkage is optimized by adjusting geometric parameters such as link lengths, pivot positions, and the configuration of the rocker arm and connecting arm. These parameter changes allow the system to achieve precise alignment at the over-center positions while maintaining the energy-efficient mechanical locking characteristic.
4Reliability
If four-bar linkage with over-center positions is used, then system reliability under vibrations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage provides inherent vibration resistance by design, creating stable equilibrium positions where the optical element is held firmly during vibrations. The periodic nature of the linkage motion and its over-center configuration create mechanical stability that naturally dampens vibration effects without adding complex active control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An optical switching assembly having an optical path therethrough includes an optical element, a base frame, an optical support that supports the optical element and is pivotably mounted to the base frame, and a linkage. The linkage interconnects the base frame and the optical support to effect movement of the optical support between an aligned position where the optical element is in the optical path and a non-aligned position removed from the aligned position. The linkage has two over-center positions that respectively correspond to the aligned position and the non-aligned position. No additional energy is required to hold the linkage in the over-center positions.