Rotary Optical Signal Coupling with Self-Aligning Conical Lens Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for transmitting optical signals between rotatable sub-assemblies face challenges in achieving high data transmission rates with minimal attenuation and precise alignment, often requiring complex calibration and alignment processes.
Innovation Solution
The device employs conical connections with radially flexible clamping sleeves and bearing rings to securely position lenses and optical waveguides relative to each other, allowing for rotation about an axis while maintaining precise alignment and minimizing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional alignment methods are used to achieve high data transmission rates, then precise positioning is improved, but device complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conical connection geometry enables self-alignment of the optical components. The conical surfaces automatically guide the lenses and waveguides into correct positional relationships during assembly, eliminating the need for external calibration devices or complex alignment procedures while maintaining high positioning precision required for high data transmission rates
2Reliability
If complex calibration processes are implemented to reduce alignment faults, then transmission reliability is improved, but manufacturing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conical connection geometry is pre-designed to inherently provide correct alignment of optical components. The conical surfaces are manufactured with precise angles and dimensions that automatically ensure proper positioning of lenses and waveguides during assembly, eliminating the need for post-assembly calibration while maintaining high transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The self-aligning conical connection structure performs the alignment function automatically during the assembly process itself, without requiring separate calibration steps. The geometry of the conical surfaces guides components into their correct positions, making the assembly process both simpler and more reliable
3Reliability
If precise positioning of optical components is maintained during rotation, then signal transmission quality is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conical connection structure provides continuous self-alignment of optical components throughout the rotation cycle. As the rotor rotates, the conical surfaces maintain the correct geometric relationships between lenses and waveguides automatically, ensuring consistent signal transmission quality without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms or active control systems
Data Source
AI summary
In a device for transmitting optical signals between a first sub-assembly having a first lens, a first bearing ring, and a first clamping sleeve, which has a conical surface, and a second structural unit having a second lens, a second bearing ring, a second body, a second clamping sleeve, which has a conical surface, and a clamping device, the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring are associated with a bearing by which the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly are connected to each other rotatably about an axis. Arranged in a centered manner in relation to the axis are: the first lens on the first bearing ring with the aid of the first clamping sleeve through a first conical connection, the second lens on the second body with the aid of the second clamping sleeve through a second conical connection, and the second body on the second bearing ring with the aid of a clamping device by a third conical connection.