Rotary Laser Flexure Joint Backlash Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary laser devices have complex constructions with multiple mechanical components, leading to play and inaccuracy in aligning the plane of rotation to the horizontal, requiring frequent readjustments.
Innovation Solution
A rotary laser device with a receptacle connected to a base element via a flexure joint and two actuators, forming a single component unit, where the actuators are arranged at a right angle to the flexure joint's longitudinal axis, allowing backlash-free tilting without friction, and using a rod-shaped or cuboid flexure joint for precise adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tilting joints with multiple mechanical components are used, then the laser device can be adjusted, but play between components causes inaccuracy and requires frequent readjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base element, holder, and flexure joint into a single integrated component made of plastic. This consolidation eliminates the interfaces between separate mechanical parts, thereby eliminating play and improving alignment accuracy while reducing the overall number of components in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tilting joints with solid-state flexure joints that enable backlash-free tilting through elastic deformation of the plastic material itself. This substitution eliminates friction, wear, and play associated with conventional mechanical bearings and joints.
2Strength
If traditional mechanical joints with friction are used, then structural support is provided, but friction and wear require lubrication and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based mechanical joints with solid-state flexure joints that utilize elastic deformation for movement. This substitution eliminates friction and wear, removing the need for lubrication and maintenance while maintaining structural support through the inherent flexibility and strength of the integrated plastic component.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate components are used for the holder and base, then assembly flexibility is provided, but play between components reduces alignment precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the base element, holder, and flexure joint into one monolithic plastic component. This merging eliminates all interfaces between separate parts, thereby completely eliminating play and achieving maximum alignment precision, while the integration itself reduces the component count.
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 provides secure mounting of the laser unit, eliminates play between components, ensures precise alignment, and reduces maintenance needs, achieving accurate and stable horizontal plane alignment without lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
The use of the preferably rod-shaped, cuboid or cylindrical flexure joint results in a backlash-free tilting of the receptacle relative to the base element without friction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laser device comprising a receptacle (18) with a laser unit extending from it, wherein the receptacle is connected to a base element (12) to which the receptacle is adjustable in inclination via at least one actuator (22, 24). In order to achieve secure mounting of the receptacle for the laser unit with structurally simple measures, while simultaneously eliminating play between the tiltable components, it is proposed that the receptacle (18) be connected to the base element (12) firstly via a solid joint (20) and secondly via two actuators (22, 24), wherein the actuators are arranged with respect to the solid joint (20) such that the connecting lines between the longitudinal axis of the solid joint and the actuators form a right angle.