Spherical Mount for Independent Optical Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical component mounts for aerospace applications face challenges in adjustability, size, and complexity, particularly due to non-independent axes of adjustment and angular movement of reflected light, which complicates precise alignment and stability.
Innovation Solution
A spherical mount assembly with a spherical element positioned to coincide with the optical element's center of rotation, using a retainer system with fasteners to secure the spherical element, and an alignment system with translation and rotational stages to independently adjust the optical element's position without translational motion transfer, ensuring precise alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional miniature mirror mount is used, then the overall size is reduced, but the center of rotation is located off the optical surface causing angular movement and translation of reflected light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical element with a spherical interface that contacts the optical surface at its center. This spherical geometry ensures that the center of rotation coincides with the optical surface, eliminating angular movement and translation of reflected light during adjustment, while maintaining a compact overall size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gimbal mount is used, then adjustability is improved, but the device complexity and overall size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustment function into two independent segments: azimuth adjustment and elevation adjustment. Each adjustment axis is independently controlled through separate mechanisms (azimuth adjustment mechanism and elevation adjustment mechanism), allowing versatile positioning without requiring a complex gimbal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical element with its spherical interface provides a simple yet effective mechanism for achieving adjustment in two independent directions. The spherical geometry naturally accommodates rotation about multiple axes passing through the center of the sphere, enabling adjustability without complex mechanical structures.
3Device complexity
If the optical surface does not coincide with the center of rotation, then the mount structure is simplified, but the reflected light undergoes angular movement and translation during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical interface of the spherical element is designed to contact the optical surface precisely at its center, which is also the center of rotation. This geometric configuration ensures that any rotational adjustment occurs purely about the optical center, maintaining optimal optical alignment while keeping the mount structure relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spherical mounting assembly for mounting an optical element allows for rotational motion of an optical surface of the optical element only. In that regard, an optical surface of the optical element does not translate in any of the three perpendicular translational axes. More importantly, the assembly provides adjustment that may be independently controlled for each of the three mutually perpendicular rotational axes.