Rotating Mirror Optical Path Alignment Without Cover Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical scanning apparatuses require time-consuming adjustments to accurately control the path of incident light, which can be prone to errors and increases the risk of damaging optical elements due to the need for frequent alignment and the exposure to high-energy light.

Innovation Solution

An optical apparatus that includes a translational optical system with a mirror member having adjustable angles, allowing for precise control of the light path through the use of angle-variable mirrors and light incident portions with position detecting elements, enabling accurate adjustment of the light path without the need for frequent removal of protective covers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the protective cover is removed for visual observation or image pickup to adjust the light path, then the light path can be accurately adjusted, but the risk of damaging optical elements with dust increases and the operation becomes more troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight path adjustment accuracyVSAvoidoptical element damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A light detection unit is introduced as an intermediary device to detect the light path without requiring removal of the protective cover. This detector provides measurement capability while maintaining the protective cover in place, thus eliminating the need for direct visual observation that would require cover removal and reduce dust contamination risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual visual observation and image pickup method is replaced with an automated light detection unit that electronically detects the light path. This substitution eliminates the need for physical access to the optical path through cover removal, reducing both operational complexity and damage risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the protective cover is removed for visual observation or image pickup to adjust the light path, then the light path can be accurately adjusted, but the operation becomes more troublesome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight path adjustment accuracyVSAvoidadjustment operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The light detection unit automatically detects and provides information about the light path without requiring operator intervention for visual observation. The system performs self-diagnosis and guidance, reducing the operational burden and making the adjustment process simpler and less time-consuming

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual visual observation and image pickup process is replaced with automated electronic detection. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically access the optical path, reducing operational complexity and time requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the protective cover is removed for visual observation or image pickup to adjust the light path, then the light path can be accurately adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight path adjustment accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The light detection unit is pre-installed and ready to detect the light path before any adjustment is needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming setup of visual observation equipment and allows immediate detection and adjustment, significantly reducing the overall adjustment time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The time-consuming manual visual observation and image pickup process is replaced with instant electronic detection by the light detection unit. This substitution provides immediate feedback on the light path status, enabling rapid adjustment and reducing the total time required for the adjustment process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 optical apparatus allows for efficient and accurate adjustment of the light path, reducing the time and effort required for alignment while minimizing the risk of optical element damage from high-energy light exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a mirror member (2) having a first reflecting surface (2a) on which the light beam (51) is incident and a second reflecting surface (2b) on which the light having been reflected by the first reflecting surface is incident

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a condensing optical system, and a deflection optical system to condense light from azimuth (θx, θy) and irradiate a position (x, y, z) on an object with the condensed light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3290982B1Optical apparatus, machining apparatus, and article manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 CANON KK
  • EP3290982B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3290982B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3290982B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical apparatus includes a rotatable reflecting member including a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, an optical system including a plurality of reflecting surfaces and configured to sequentially reflect light having been reflected at the first reflecting surface at the plurality of reflecting surfaces to make the light incident on the second reflecting surface, a driving part configured to change an angle of the reflecting member, a control unit configured to control the driving part to change a path of light emitted from the reflecting member after being reflected at the second reflecting surface, and a light incident portion configured to recognize a position of the light having been reflected at the first reflecting surface.