Rhomboidal Prism Aperture Extender for Precise Autocollimator Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autocollimators and telescopes face limitations in aligning optical devices at close proximity due to their limited optical apertures, making them expensive or unfeasible for large distances, and existing alignment methods are inefficient for devices outside the aperture.
Innovation Solution
An aperture extender system using interconnected rhomboidal prisms that expand the autocollimator's aperture by allowing rotational movement and incorporating index matching gel or fluid to eliminate inter-reflections, with partial mirror coatings and microprocessor computation for accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an autocollimator is used to align optical devices at close proximity, then alignment precision is improved, but the aperture coverage is limited and cannot encompass all devices
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture extender divides the optical path into multiple segments using a series of rhomboidal prisms. Each prism acts as an independent optical element that redirects light at 90-degree angles, allowing the autocollimator to sequentially access multiple devices that would otherwise be outside its direct aperture. This segmentation enables the system to cover a larger effective area while maintaining precise alignment measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The rhomboidal prisms introduce a spatial dimension transformation by redirecting light paths at right angles. This allows the autocollimator to access devices arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration rather than being constrained to a single linear aperture plane. The optical path is folded through multiple dimensions, effectively expanding the coverage area without increasing the physical aperture size.
2Area of stationary object
If an autocollimator with larger aperture is used to encompass all devices, then aperture coverage is improved, but cost and feasibility deteriorate due to substantial distances and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The rhomboidal prisms serve as intermediary optical elements that bridge the gap between the autocollimator and devices positioned outside its direct aperture. Rather than requiring a prohibitively large aperture autocollimator, these intermediate prisms redirect light paths to access multiple devices sequentially, providing cost-effective aperture extension through affordable optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates rotational joints that allow the rhomboidal prisms to move dynamically between different devices. This dynamic configuration enables a single autocollimator to serve multiple devices at different positions and orientations, replacing the need for multiple fixed autocollimators or a single large-aperture instrument, thereby reducing overall system cost and increasing flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rhomboidal elements are rotated to expand aperture coverage, then aperture coverage and flexibility are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autocollimator itself serves as a feedback mechanism to measure and detect misalignments introduced by the rhomboidal prisms. By projecting a reference cross and analyzing its reflected image, the system quantifies any angular deviations caused by prism manufacturing tolerances. This feedback information is used to computationally correct the measured positions, compensating for manufacturing imperfections and maintaining high alignment accuracy despite relaxed manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the rhomboidal prisms by allowing rotational movement to adjust their orientation and position. Rather than requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances to fix the prisms in perfect alignment, the system uses adjustable rotational parameters to optimize the optical paths. This parametric adjustment capability compensates for manufacturing variations and enables flexible aperture expansion with moderate manufacturing precision.
4Measurement precision
If index matching gel or fluid is used to eliminate inter-reflections, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The index matching gel or fluid acts as an intermediary medium between the rhomboidal prisms and the surrounding air. By filling the gaps and interfaces where refraction and inter-reflections occur, this intermediate substance eliminates optical disturbances caused by air-prism boundaries. The gel's refractive index matches that of the prism materials, creating a homogeneous optical path and preventing spurious reflections that would degrade measurement accuracy.
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
Enables precise alignment of closely situated optical devices by expanding aperture coverage and correcting inaccuracies, overcoming traditional limitations with enhanced flexibility and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an innovative approach integrates an index matching gel or fluid between the rhomboids, nullifying the refractive index discrepancies between the elements and the surrounding air
Implementation Method 2
This innovation proposes a solution by integrating multiple optical prismatic elements, particularly rhomboidal prisms, which, upon unfolding, expand the autocollimator's aperture
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure introduces a technique to expand the aperture of an optical system like an Autocollimator by interconnecting two or more rhomboidal prisms in a sequential manner. This method involves securing the initial rhomboid to the autocollimator's aperture using a rotating component at its base. Subsequently, a second rotating component is attached to the exit end of the first rhomboid, enabling individual rotation for both rhomboids. These prisms are coated with distinct partial mirror coatings. The processing of the reflected image from these rhomboids are conducted to ascertain the deviation in the line of sight caused by their presence and positioning. A microprocessor computes the measurement of the back reflected beams concerning the rhomboids' positions, determining beam deviations resulting from imperfections in the manufacturing of the rhomboids. The identified imperfections are employed to rectify the outcomes derived from the assembly of rhomboids, ensuring heightened precision in the collected data.