Prism Mount for Laser Deposition Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of prisms as final focusing optics in laser deposition devices is challenging due to their fragility and susceptibility to damage from differential thermal expansion, requiring intermittent changing within a sealed environment, which is difficult with conventional tools and gloves.
Innovation Solution
A unique prism mounting device that allows for the precise alignment and secure retention of prisms without tools, using a combination of a holder with grooves and ridges for grasping, a ball-and-spring retainer, and a biasing member like o-rings or springs to accommodate thermal expansion, enabling manual loading and changing within a glove box without damaging the fragile edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a prism is used as final focusing optics in a laser deposition device, then the laser beam can be precisely focused and directed, but the prism is susceptible to damage from differential thermal expansion and is fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the prism from the main device body by using a removable mount, allowing the prism to be independently replaced when damaged. This segmentation protects the overall system reliability while maintaining optical precision functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount includes a biasing member that allows dynamic adjustment and accommodation of the prism position during thermal expansion and contraction, preventing stress damage while maintaining precise alignment.
2Measurement precision
If the prism is retained in a fixed mount, then alignment is maintained, but the prism cannot accommodate differential thermal expansion relative to other components
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member creates a dynamic mounting system that allows the prism to move slightly with thermal expansion while maintaining optical alignment, preventing stress concentration that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount allows for thermal expansion by changing the physical parameters (position, pressure) of the prism retention system in response to temperature changes, preventing damage while maintaining alignment.
3Ease of repair
If conventional tools are used to change the prism, then the mounting process can be performed, but the fragile edges of the prism may be damaged during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The mount acts as an intermediary between the operator and the fragile prism, providing a protective interface that allows tool-free installation and removal without direct contact with the prism edges, preventing damage during maintenance.
4Reliability
If the prism mount is designed for secure retention, then the prism remains stable during operation, but the mount complexity increases with additional retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member creates a self-retaining mechanism that automatically secures the prism in place through spring pressure, eliminating the need for complex external fastening systems while maintaining stable retention during operation.
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
The solution ensures the prism remains aligned and undamaged during thermal expansion and contraction, allowing for reliable operation in tight spaces like gas turbine engines, with reduced risk of fracture and improved accessibility for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member like o-rings or springs to accommodate thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
A prism is located in the removable prism mount and acts as a beam directing optics for the laser beam
Implementation Method 3
acts as a beam directing optics
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a prism mount that retains a prism. The mount includes a ledge that engages a first side of the prism, a support surface structured that engages a second side of the prism, a retaining member that slidably engages a third side of the prism, and a biasing member that biases the retaining member to an engaged position with the prism. The mount further includes a slot disposed between the ledge and the support surface. The retaining member includes a machine screw, and a nut confines the biasing member between the nut and a prism mount body. The biasing member is retained in a counterbore in the prism mount body, and an end of the machine screw protrudes from the counterbore. The prism mount body further includes an alignment slot at a fixed azimuthal angle, and the laser deposition device includes a protrusion that engages the alignment slot.