Variable Focal Length Optical Test Bench
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical test benches face difficulties in precisely replacing the pattern at the focus of the lens or concave mirror, requiring complex and expensive mechanical systems, and are hindered by the need for precise positioning to observe reflected waves during autocollimation.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a deflection device having an adjustable focal distance, comprising two optical lenses with opposite focal lengths and a spacer device to adjust their spacing, allowing for variable vergence light waves to be generated and tested, facilitating easier alignment and testing of optical or optronic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lens or concave mirror is used to provide variable vergence light waves, then the optical testing function is achieved, but the mechanical positioning system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system with an optical system. Instead of mechanically moving the screen to precise positions, the invention uses a collimated light wave source combined with a lens whose focal length can be varied. This allows the same optical testing function to be achieved without complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of focal length of the lens to achieve variable vergence light waves. By varying the focal length parameter, the system can produce divergent, collimated, or convergent light waves without mechanical repositioning, thus simplifying the overall system while maintaining testing capability.
2Measurement precision
If the screen is positioned precisely at the focal point for autocollimation, then accurate focusing evaluation is achieved, but numerous manipulations and checks are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for precise mechanical positioning of the screen by using a collimated light wave source. The variable focal length lens automatically provides the correct vergence for autocollimation, removing the need for manual manipulation and checking of screen position while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment through the optical properties of the collimated light source and variable focal length lens. The optics themselves provide the necessary alignment references, eliminating the need for external manipulation and checking procedures.
3Reliability
If the screen is not precisely at the focal point, then autocollimation cannot be observed, but precise positioning mechanisms are complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex positioning mechanisms with a collimated light wave source and variable focal length lens system. This optical approach ensures reliable autocollimation observation without requiring expensive and complex mechanical positioning devices.
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
Enables precise and efficient adjustment of light waves for testing optical systems, reducing mechanical complexity and cost, while allowing for accurate evaluation of focusing quality through adjustable focal lengths from infinity to predetermined values.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical lens intended to receive the collimated light wave and to deflect it to provide a light wave, called the intermediate light wave
Implementation Method 2
a second optical lens intended to receive the intermediate light wave and to deflect it to provide the test light wave
Implementation Method 3
a collimator arranged to receive the target light wave and collimate it to provide the collimated light wave
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2
AI summary
This optical system comprises: a device (106) for generating a plane light wave, called a collimated light wave (OLcol); and a device (114) for deviating the collimated light wave so as to provide a light wave, called a test light wave (OLtest), the deviating device (114) having an adjustable focal length.