Sloped Support for Optical Component Center of Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion systems for optical components in inspection systems, such as XYZ motion systems, face deformation issues due to the force applied by auxiliary equipment, leading to inaccurate movement along the Z-axis and compromised inspection precision.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sloped portion and connected movement control components supports the optical component, positioning its center of gravity above or in proximity to the sloped portion, ensuring stable and precise movement by distributing the force effectively and maintaining perpendicularity to the inspection plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the center of gravity of moving component and auxiliary equipment is positioned away from the rails, then the motion system can support auxiliary equipment, but the force deforms the rails and causes tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterbalancing mechanism where the movable component is designed with a specific center of gravity position that counteracts the gravitational force of auxiliary equipment. The center of gravity of the movable component is positioned to create a balancing moment that offsets the tilting force generated by auxiliary equipment mounted on the moving component, thereby preventing rail deformation and maintaining movement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the center of gravity within the movable component. Rather than symmetric distribution, the mass is strategically distributed to create an asymmetric center of gravity location that generates a compensating moment. This asymmetric design allows the system to balance the gravitational effects of auxiliary equipment while maintaining precise motion control along the Z-axis.
2Weight of moving object
If the force from moving component mass is applied over a lever distance, then the system can support the component, but it causes rail deformation and backward tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the movable component with an integrated counterbalancing feature where the center of gravity is positioned to create a stabilizing moment. This counterbalancing design offsets the destabilizing moment created by the lever distance between the rail support point and the center of gravity, thereby preventing backward tilting and maintaining system stability during motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the stability issue by introducing a rotational dimension to the problem. Instead of only considering linear forces along the Z-axis, the design accounts for the rotational moment (torque) generated by the lever distance. By positioning the center of gravity to create a counterbalancing moment in the rotational domain, the system achieves stability despite the lever arm effect.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy and stability of optical component movement, maintaining precise inspection and focus by minimizing deformation and ensuring the Z-axis movement remains perpendicular to the inspection plane, thus improving overall inspection quality.
Implementation Method 1
when the movable element supports the optical component a center of gravity of a combination of the movable element and the optical component is positioned above the sloped portion or in proximity to the sloped portion
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for supporting an optical component (240) of an optical evaluation system, the device includes: (a) a supporting element (220) that includes a sloped portion (222); (b) at least one movement control component (210) that is coupled to the sloped portion; and (c) a movable element (230), adapted to move along the at least one movement control component; wherein the movable element is adapted to support the optical component; wherein when the movable element supports the optical component a center Of gravity of a combination of the movable element and the optical component is positioned above, the sloped portion or in proximity to the sloped portion.