Optical rail system and method using quick-disconnect optical component mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical rail systems require significant effort to add or remove optical component mounts between already-installed ones, making it difficult to reconfigure optical measurement systems frequently, as existing mounts need to be precisely realigned and removed.
Innovation Solution
An optical rail system with a mount configuration that allows for friction fit and secure attachment of rails using flexible flanges and locking screws, enabling the insertion and removal of optical component mounts without displacing existing mounts, facilitating easy reconfiguration by allowing mounts to be added or removed between existing ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional optical rail systems use fixed mounting holes for securing component mounts, then the structural stability and alignment precision are maintained, but the ease of adding or removing mounts between existing mounts deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into modular components: the rail remains fixed while the mount uses a独立的 locking mechanism with movable locking elements that can be independently engaged or disengaged. This allows individual mounts to be added or removed without affecting other mounts on the rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates movable locking elements (such as spring-loaded pins or cam-actuated locks) that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic capability enables quick attachment and detachment of mounts while maintaining structural stability when locked.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical component mounts are removed and reinstalled on the optical rail system, then new mounts can be added to the system, but the time required for reconfiguration and the risk of misalignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates pre-positioned alignment features and standardized mounting interfaces that are prepared in advance. The locking mechanism is designed with alignment guides and self-centering features that automatically position the mount correctly during attachment, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual alignment and securing operations with a simplified mechanical locking mechanism. The quick-release design allows mounts to be attached and secured through straightforward mechanical actions (such as pressing a release button or lever) rather than requiring precise manual positioning and multiple fastening steps.
3Productivity
If traditional optical rail systems require removal of existing mounts to add new mounts, then structural integrity is maintained, but the productivity and efficiency of system reconfiguration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into independent controllable elements for each mount position on the rail. Each locking element can be independently engaged or disengaged without affecting other mounting positions, allowing new mounts to be inserted between existing ones without removing the existing mounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary quick-release locking mechanism that mediates between the fixed rail structure and the removable mounts. This intermediary mechanism allows mounts to be quickly attached and detached while maintaining the structural integrity of the rail system, serving as a buffer that enables easy reconfiguration without compromising stability.
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 solution simplifies the installation and removal of optical component mounts, reducing the effort required for reconfiguration and maintaining precise alignment, thus enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of optical measurement systems.
Implementation Method 1
The grooves are configured to register with the respective portions of the rails in a friction fit manner
Data Source
AI summary
An optical rail system that includes an electronic component mount configured to be mounted on rails between two previously-mounted electronic component mounts without the need of removing one of the two previous-mounted mounts. The electronic component mount includes grooves configured to securely register with respective portions of the rails. The mount further comprises locking devices for securely locking the portions of the rails to the housing within the grooves. The mount additionally includes a dock for securely hosting one or more optical components. Also disclosed is a rail mount for facilitating the mounting the optical rail system to an optical table or other structure. The rail mount includes grooves for securely registering with respective portions of the rails, locking devices for more securely locking the rails within the grooves, and an attachment structure for attaching the rail mount to a post, the post being configured for mounting to an optical table or other structure.