Microradian adjustment assembly

• US 6,237,242 B1
• Filed: 05/20/1999
• Issued: 05/29/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rtx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rtx Corporation)
• Inventors: Robertson, Richard, Woytassek, Mark, Larison, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Gutierrez, Diego
• Assistant Examiner(s): Guadalupe, Yaritza
• Application Number:
  US09/315,911
• Time in Patent Office: 740 Days
• Field of Search: 33/644, 33/645, 33/613, 33/334
• US Class Current: 33/645
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/004 Manual alignment, e.g. micromanipulators

Abstract

An assembly for providing microradian adjustment of the alignment of objects such as optical devices is disclosed. The microradian adjustment assembly is comprised of a mounting plate suitable for mounting an object and a torque adjustment assembly. A circular channel is formed in the plate so as to define a disk area surrounded by a deflection area. The torque adjustment assembly torsionally deforms the deflection area, rotating the disk area with respect to the mounting plate. This rotation is utilized to provide microradian adjustment of the alignment of the object.

Claims

1. A mounting device providing microradian adjustment of the alignment of an object, comprising:

a plate suitable for mounting an object, said plate having a circular channel formed therein so as to define a disk area surrounded by a deflection area; and

a torque adjustment assembly;

wherein said torque adjustment assembly torsionally deforms said deflection area thereby rotating said disk area with respect to said plate so as to adjust of the alignment of the object.

2. The mounting device as recited in claim 1, wherein said torque adjustment assembly further comprises:

a screw;

a screw support structure integrally formed on said plate, said screw support structure having an aperture through which said screw may be threaded; and

a block disposed on said plate within an area defined by an outer edge of said channel;

wherein said screw is advanced through said aperture to engage said block.

3. The mounting device as recited in claim 2, wherein said screw comprises a threaded, cylindrical rod having a first end suitable for engaging said block and a second end provided with a head suitable for rotating said threaded, cylindrical rod to advance said screw through said aperture.

4. The mounting device as recited in claim 3, wherein engagement of said block by said threaded rod applies a torque to said disk area.

5. The mounting device as recited in claim 2, wherein said block includes a concave face for engagement of said screw.

6. The mounting device as recited in claim 2, wherein said circular channel is formed in a first surface of said plate and said screw support structure and block are formed in a second surface of said plate opposite said first surface.

7. The mounting device as recited in claim 6, wherein said screw support structure comprises a cavity formed in said second surface.

8. The mounting device as recited in claim 7, wherein said cavity is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter at least equal to the outer diameter of said channel.

9. The mounting device as recited in claim 6, wherein said screw support structure comprises at least one rail integrally formed on said second surface.

10. A microradian adjustment assembly, comprising:

a plate having a first side and a second side, said first side suitable for mounting an object and said second side having a circular channel formed therein so as to define a disk area for mounting an object surrounded by a deflection area;

a screw;

a screw support structure integrally formed on said plate, said screw support structure having an aperture; and

a block disposed on said plate;

wherein said screw is threaded through said aperture to engage said block so as to torsionally deform said deflection area and rotate said disk area with respect to said plate.

11. The microradian adjustment assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein said block is disposed on said plate within an area defined by an outer edge of said channel.

12. The microradian adjustment assembly as recited in claim 11, wherein said screw comprises a threaded, cylindrical rod having a first end suitable for engaging said block and a second end provided with a head suitable for rotating said threaded, cylindrical rod to advance said screw through said aperture.

13. The microradian adjustment assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein engagement of said block by said threaded rod applies a torque to said disk area.

14. The microradian adjustment assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein said block includes a concave face for engagement of said screw.

15. The microradian adjustment assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein said circular channel is formed in a first surface of said plate and said screw support structure and block are formed in a second surface of said plate opposite said first surface.

16. The microradian adjustment assembly as recited in claim 15, wherein said screw support structure comprises a cavity formed in said second surface.

17. The microradian adjustment assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein in said cavity is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter at least equal to the outer diameter of said channel.

18. The microradian adjustment assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein said screw support structure comprises at least one rail integrally formed on said second surface.

19. A mount for providing microradian angular adjustment of the alignment of an object, comprising:

a plate for mounting an object, said plate including a circular channel formed therein to define a disk surrounded by a deflection area; and

means for torsionally deforming said deflection area so that said disk is rotated with respect to said plate to provide microradian adjustment of the alignment of the object.

20. The mount as recited in claim 19, wherein said deforming means further comprises:

a screw;

a screw support structure integrally formed on said plate, said screw support structure having an aperture through which said screw may be threaded; and

a block disposed on said plate within an area defined by an outer edge of said channel;

wherein said screw is advanced through said aperture to engage said block.