Height-Adjustable Optical Table With Synchronized Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical tables and workstations are of fixed heights, failing to accommodate varying user requirements and load capacities, particularly in research and industrial applications where vibration isolation and rigidity are crucial, and there is a lack of solutions that provide both height adjustability and sufficient vibration control.

Innovation Solution

An actuated, height-adjustable optical table with modular design and synchronized actuator movement, incorporating rigid, passive, or active vibration isolation systems, allowing for customizable height adjustments and maintaining stability and rigidity, suitable for various loads and applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed height optical tables are used, then structural rigidity and vibration isolation are maintained, but adaptability to different user requirements and applications is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustabilityVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The optical table transitions from a static fixed-height structure to a dynamic height-adjustable system using motorized actuators. The table top can be raised or lowered along vertical guides while maintaining structural rigidity through precision mechanical design and controlled actuation, allowing adaptation to different user heights and application requirements without compromising stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The table structure is divided into separate functional modules: a stationary base, movable table top, independent actuators for each corner, and vertical guides. This segmentation allows the table top to move independently for height adjustment while the base remains stable, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If generic height adjustable tables are used, then height adaptability is achieved, but vibration isolation and structural rigidity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustabilityVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Vertical guides act as intermediary elements between the actuators and the table top, providing precise linear motion paths that constrain movement to purely vertical translation. This eliminates lateral vibrations and rotational instabilities, allowing height adjustment while maintaining the vibration isolation characteristics of traditional optical tables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Manual or mechanical height adjustment mechanisms are replaced with motorized actuators that provide controlled, programmable motion. This substitution enables precise height positioning while minimizing sudden movements and vibrations, and allows for programmable speed control to further reduce vibration during height transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If height adjustment is implemented, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustabilityVSAvoidactuator synchronization system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Position sensors are integrated into each actuator to provide real-time feedback on table top height and level. The control system uses this feedback to automatically coordinate actuator movements, maintain horizontal alignment during height changes, and stop at predetermined heights, eliminating the need for complex manual coordination and reducing overall system complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If rapid height changes are implemented, then productivity is improved, but disturbance to optical apparatus and structural stability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment speedVSAvoiddisturbance to apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuators operate in coordinated periodic cycles, moving sequentially or simultaneously in a controlled manner to raise or lower the table top. This periodic, rhythmic motion pattern allows for faster overall height changes while minimizing sudden jerks and vibrations, as each actuator follows a predetermined motion profile that smooths out disturbances to the optical apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3988212A1Actuated height adjustable optical table

Publication Date: 2022.04.27 THORLABS INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

Disclosed is an actuated, height adjustable optical table or workstation for use in microscopy, optical research laboratories and similar environments. The height adjustable design includes fixed and moving parts which combine to create a rigid, height adjustable table structure on which to mount an optical breadboard or similar platforms via optional rigid, passive or active vibration isolation mounts. The height adjustment is performed by multiple compact actuators with associated control hardware and software, and allows the user or an application system to perform activities with the table at any heights.