Mechanical fastening system for modular micro-optical elements
US5833202A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B7/003
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A mechanical fastening system is disclosed in which standard micro-optical elements are initially mounted on respective one-piece frames which in turn may be secured in position on a mounting plate. Each frame has a platform to which at least three legs are flexurally joined along respective hinge axes. In one embodiment, the legs include corresponding spherical segments for point-contact with the mounting plate. In another embodiment, the legs include corresponding foot portions connected by a ball-joint for three-degrees of rotational freedom. The one-piece frames may be efficiently manufactured by laser beam cutting or punching a steel sheet. The proposed fastening system enables uni- or multi-dimensional layouts to be created using automatic placing and fastening technologies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.