Radial Adjustment Mount for Optical Units with Force-Free Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment mounts for optical components face challenges in achieving long-term stability of adjusted radial positions due to mechanical fixation methods that can lead to misalignment under mechanical stress or long-term influences, such as the use of lock nuts or varnish, which introduce radial forces or allow for radial play.
Innovation Solution
The adjustment mount design incorporates a carrier and an auxiliary mount connected by adjusting devices with a first and second cylinder element, where the screw head is rotatable and the screw shaft is screwably guided, allowing for radial adjustment without direct fixation, and cover elements are loosely connected during adjustment but clamp the auxiliary socket after adjustment to prevent misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical fixation methods (lock nuts, grub screws) are used to fix the adjustment position, then the adjustment position can be fixed, but forces act in a radial direction or moments act around a radial direction which can lead to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coating layer as an intermediary between the auxiliary mount and the carrier. This coating provides fixation through adhesion without requiring mechanical elements that would exert radial forces or moments. The coating acts as a mediator that bonds the two components together while allowing the adjustment position to be maintained without misalignment-causing forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fixation system (lock nuts, grub screws) with a chemical bonding system (coating). This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical elements that physically contact and exert forces on the auxiliary mount, thereby preventing the radial forces and moments that cause misalignment while still achieving secure fixation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical fixation methods are used, then the adjustment position can be fixed, but loosening of the fixation can occur due to mechanical stress or long-term influences which leads to radial play and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fixation elements with a coating-based chemical bonding system. This eliminates the mechanical stress concentration points and potential loosening mechanisms inherent in threaded fasteners. The coating provides distributed bonding across the contact surface, preventing the localized stress that leads to loosening over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fixation mechanism from mechanical (discrete fasteners) to chemical (continuous coating layer). This parameter change in the fixation approach eliminates the cyclic loading and stress concentration associated with mechanical fasteners, thereby preventing loosening due to mechanical stress or long-term influences.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cover elements are firmly connected during adjustment, then structural stability is provided, but the auxiliary mount cannot be adjusted freely in the adjustment plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the connection between cover elements dynamic rather than static. During adjustment, the cover elements are loosely connected to allow free movement of the auxiliary mount. After adjustment, the connection becomes firm to provide structural stability. This dynamic transition in connection rigidity resolves the contradiction between adjustment freedom and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the firm connection of cover elements as a preliminary action only after the adjustment is completed. During the adjustment phase, the cover elements remain loosely connected to allow freedom of movement. This sequencing of actions ensures that structural stability is established at the appropriate time without interfering with the adjustment process.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustment mount (0) for the radial adjustment of an optical unit having an optical axis, containing a support (1) and an auxiliary mount (2) which is radially adjustable with respect thereto via adjusting devices (3). The adjusting devices (3) each contain a set screw (3.1) of which the ends are arranged in cylindrical elements (3.2, 3.3) which are rotatably mounted in the support (1) and in the auxiliary mount (2). This allows the set screws (3.1) to perform compensating movements during the adjustment, which allows a force-free radial adjustment in one adjustment plane. To fix an adjustment position, the auxiliary mount (2) is held clamped between two cover elements (4) which are fastened to the support (1) and braced together such that, during and after fixing, only moments or forces acting perpendicularly on the adjustment plane are effective. The invention also relates to an apparatus having at least two adjustment mounts (0). The supports (1) of the adjustment mounts (0) can advantageously be different components of a common frame.