Vacuum Holding Device for Optical Element Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional holding devices for optical elements in testing setups either limit measurement to one side, require a glass window that can introduce measurement errors, or mechanically grip the circumference, which may not be universally applicable for different geometries.
Innovation Solution
A holding device comprising a hollow base body, a stationary ring, and a movable ring arranged coaxially, with a gap between them to generate a vacuum for secure holding of optical elements, allowing for secure alignment and measurement without influencing the test results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a glass window is used to hold the optical element, then the optical element can be held securely, but measurement errors are introduced due to the glass window's influence on measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the glass window from the holding device structure. Instead of holding the optical element through a glass window, the invention uses a vacuum chamber that can be evacuated to hold the optical element securely without any transparent barrier, thereby eliminating measurement errors caused by glass interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a vacuum environment (inert atmosphere) within the holding device. By evacuating the chamber between the first and second holding elements, the optical element is held securely by vacuum pressure without requiring a glass window, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while ensuring reliable holding
2Reliability
If mechanical gripping on the circumference is used, then the optical element can be held, but it is not universally applicable for different geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the holding elements with surfaces that can conform to different optical element geometries. The first holding element has a first surface and the second holding element has a second surface that can adapt to various shapes, making the device universally applicable for different optical element geometries while maintaining secure holding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a movable holding element that can be displaced relative to the stationary holding element. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the holding surfaces to adapt to different optical element geometries, providing both secure holding and universal applicability
3Ease of operation
If measurement is performed through a glass window, then the optical element can be tested, but the glass window has a non-trivially quantifiable and variable influence on measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the glass window from the measurement path by using a vacuum holding mechanism. The optical element is held and tested within an evacuated chamber without requiring a transparent window, allowing measurements to be performed directly on the optical element without glass-induced errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vacuum pressure as an intermediary to hold the optical element instead of a glass window. The vacuum chamber creates a pressure differential that secures the optical element in place without requiring any transparent barrier between the measurement device and the optical element
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 device provides a secure, universal, and non-influential holding solution for optical elements of various geometries during measurement and alignment, eliminating the need for glass windows and ensuring accurate results.
Implementation Method 1
a gap is arranged at least between the stationary ring and the movable ring, in which gap a vacuum for holding the optical element can be generated
Data Source
AI summary
A holding device for holding an optical element for the testing thereof comprises a hollow base body, a stationary ring and a movable ring. The stationary ring is arranged on or fastened to the base body, wherein the stationary ring has, at one axial end, a contact face for bearing against the optical element. The movable ring is mounted axially displaceably on the base body relative to the stationary ring and the base body, wherein the movable ring has, at one axial end, a contact face for bearing against the optical element. The stationary ring and the movable ring are arranged coaxially with respect to one another, wherein a gap is arranged at least between the stationary ring and the movable ring, in which gap a vacuum for holding the optical element can be generated.