Patent Description:
Many optical systems include mirrors, lenses, or other optical devices that need to be precisely positioned, oriented, or aligned. Often times, a mounting device is used to couple an optical device to a support structure, where the mounting device allows small adjustments to be made to the optical device to help achieve proper positioning, orientation, or alignment. In many cases, a mounting device can support translation of an optical device (movement of the optical device along an adjustment axis), rotation of an optical device (turning of the optical device around an adjustment axis), or both. In some cases, a mounting device supports translation along or rotation around different adjustment axes, meaning the mounting device supports multiple degrees of freedom.

Unfortunately, mounting devices often suffer from a number of shortcomings. For example, some mounting devices provide multiple translational degrees of freedom, but the adjustment axes are not perpendicular to each other. As a result, movement of an optical device along one axis cannot occur without causing movement of the optical device along another axis, which can make it difficult to properly adjust the position of the optical device. Also, some mounting devices provide multiple translational or rotational degrees of freedom without providing locking mechanisms for any or all adjustment axes. In dynamic environments where an optical device may be subjected to load forces (such as shock), the lack of a locking mechanism in each adjustment axis may allow an optical device to move, which can interfere with the operation of a larger optical system.

In one particular approach, a mounting device uses three "push-pulls" (components designed to adjust and hold the space between two structural elements) placed within oversized holes that can operate together to provide translational and rotational adjustments. However, this approach requires the use of special tooling for fine translational adjustments, which tends to be clumsy and ineffective. The tooling also sometimes creates over-constraint and lockdown problems, such as stress-induced distortions of an optical device. Moreover, in order to allow use in a dynamic environment, this approach requires the use of potting (material that hardens after injection into the oversized holes) once the adjustments are finalized, which prevents further adjustments from being made to the optical device's position, orientation, or alignment. In addition, this approach requires multiple knobs to be adjusted in order to make a single translational adjustment to an optical device, which makes it difficult to adjust the position of the optical device along a single adjustment axis.

<CIT> discloses a device for injecting light into an optical wave guide, via which a focused light beam is oriented by a manipulator. A simple and precise adjustment of maximum injection efficiency during the injection of light into optical wave guides is facilitated, by a manipulator, and the permanent fixing of the adjusted positions obtained during the adjustment of the injection. The device can include: a manipulator having an adjusting plate comprising an outer part, an inner part, and two spring arrangements which are positioned between the outer part and the inner part and can be adjusted independently of each other along two co-ordinate axes, each spring arrangement having a parallel spring arrangement guiding parallel to a certain direction, and a preliminary spring mounted in series; a fixing screw that can be introduced into the fixed housing part by an axial threaded borehole; and an axially elastic fixing disk. The inner part can be moved in the X direction and in the Y direction and comprises the optical system connected to the optical wave guide to be injected with light. The fixing disk can be pressed into the adjusting plate by the fixing screw screwed into the housing part, against the detachable housing part, in the direction of the passage of the beam, such that the adjusted position of the inner part is fixed.

This disclosure provides mounting devices with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising; a device mount configured to be coupled to a component; an inner hub coupled to the device mount by a first flexure, the first flexure configured to permit translational movement of the device mount within the inner hub along a first axis; an outer hub coupled to the inner hub by a second flexure, the second flexure configured to permit translational movement of the device mount and the inner hub within the outer hub along a second axis different from the first axis, the first and second flexures forming a compound nested flexure, wherein the outer hub is configured to be coupled to a support structure and to permit both (i) translational movement of the apparatus along a third axis different from the first and second axes and (ii) tip or tilt adjustment of the apparatus; and a first lockable adjuster configured to control movement of the device mount within the inner hub in order to control the translational movement along the first axis; a second lockable adjuster configured to control movement of the inner hub within the outer hub in order to control the translational movement along the second axis; and third lockable adjusters configured to couple the outer hub to the support structure and to control the translational movement along the third axis and the tip or tilt adjustment.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method comprising: coupling an outer hub of a mounting device to a support structure; coupling a component to a device mount of the mounting device; using a first flexure, causing translational movement of the device mount within an inner hub of the mounting device along a first axis; using a second flexure, causing translational movement of the device mount and the inner hub within the outer hub of the mounting device along a second axis different from the first axis, the first and second flexures forming a compound nested flexure; and causing translational movement of the mounting device along a third axis different from the first and second axes and tip or tilt adjustment of the mounting device; wherein: causing the translational movement of the device mount along the first axis comprises using a first lockable adjuster; causing the translational movement of the device mount and the inner hub along the second axis comprises using a second lockable adjuster; and causing the translational movement of the mounting device along the third axis and the tip or tilt adjustment of the mounting device comprises using third lockable adjusters coupling the outer hub to the support structure.

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG>, described below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present invention in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present invention may be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

As noted above, mounting devices are often used in optical systems to precisely position, orient, or align mirrors, lenses, or other optical devices. However, mounting devices often suffer from various shortcomings, such as the use of non-perpendicular adjustment axes, the lack of locking mechanisms, or the use of potting. This disclosure describes mounting devices that incorporate integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms. The mounting devices include a compound nested flexure that supports translational adjustments of an optical device or other device along first and second adjustment axes (which can be perpendicular), and lockable adjusters can be used to make adjustments along the first and second axes. Once positioned, the adjusters according to the invention can be locked to prevent unintended movements in these adjustment axes (allowing use in harsh vibration environments or other environments), and the lockable adjusters do not require potting (which allows for future adjustments if needed). The compound nested flexure according to the invention can also be coupled to a support structure or other structure using additional lockable adjusters that allow additional translational adjustment of the optical device or other device along a third adjustment axis (which can be perpendicular to the first and second axes) and that allows tip/tilt adjustments to be made. Once adjusted, these additional adjusters can also be locked to prevent unintended movements in the third adjustment axis and to prevent additional tip/tilt adjustments.

In this way, the mounting devices can provide a large number of degrees of freedom (such as five degrees of freedom) for adjusting the position, orientation, or alignment of an optical device or other device connected to the mounting device. If the optical device or other device can be rotated or otherwise adjusted once coupled to the mounting device, this can provide at least one additional degree of freedom. Note, however, that the additional degree(s) of freedom may not be needed in various systems, such as when a mounting device is used with axially-symmetric optics or in a very forgiving off-axis system.

The mounting devices described below therefore include a novel arrangement for translational adjustments that supports the use of high-fidelity lockable adjusters. This allows for improved alignment in optical systems or other systems since a number of integrated high-fidelity adjustments can be made using the lockable adjusters. The mounting devices can also allow adjustments to be made without requiring the use of complex alignment tools. Further, the mounting devices allow a single lockable adjuster to be used to make adjustments along a single axis, again simplifying the adjustment process. Moreover, since the high-fidelity adjusters are lockable, this reduces or eliminates the need to fill oversized gaps with potting, and it allows the mounting devices to be locked along all adjustment axes. In addition, this approach can help to reduce the time and costs associated with precision alignment of optical components or other components.

<FIG> illustrate an example mounting device <NUM> with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms according to this disclosure. In particular, <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the mounting device <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a rear perspective view of the mounting device <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a front straight view of the mounting device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the mounting device <NUM> generally includes a device mount <NUM>, an inner hub <NUM>, and an outer hub <NUM>. The device mount <NUM> represents a portion of the mounting device <NUM> to which at least one optical component or other component can be coupled to the mounting device <NUM>. The device mount <NUM> can be coupled to any suitable optical component or components, such as one or more mirrors, lenses, prisms, beam splitters, beam expanders, filters, focal planes, focal plane arrays, cameras, or photodetectors. Note that while often described below as being used to mount one or more optical components, the mounting device <NUM> can be used with any other suitable component(s), including one or more non-optical components.

In this example, the device mount <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> forming a smaller opening in the front of the device mount <NUM> and a larger opening in the back of the device mount <NUM>. An optical component being coupled to the mounting device <NUM> can be placed against the front of the device mount <NUM> or can be passed at least partially through the recess <NUM> of the device mount <NUM>. In some embodiments, the recess <NUM> provides access to fastening holes <NUM> from the back of the device mount <NUM>, and the fastening holes <NUM> allow fasteners like bolts or screws to pass through the recess <NUM> and through the fastening holes <NUM> into the component being coupled to the mounting device <NUM>. In this example, there are three fastening holes <NUM> that are each circular and that are placed in a triangular arrangement, although this is for illustration only. The device mount <NUM> can include any suitable number of fastening holes <NUM> having any suitable shape and arrangement. Note that the size and shape of the recess <NUM> here is for illustration only and that other sizes and shapes can be used. Also note that the recess <NUM> can be omitted, such as when the fastening holes <NUM> pass through the complete thickness of the device mount <NUM> and no component is expected to pass through the device mount <NUM>.

The device mount <NUM> can also include potting holes <NUM> passing from the front of the device mount <NUM> to the back of the device mount <NUM>. In some embodiments, the potting holes <NUM> can be used to inject potting around lockable adjusters inserted into the mounting device <NUM> as described in more detail below. However, since the use of potting is optional here, the potting holes <NUM> can be omitted if desired. Similarly, a first set of post holes <NUM> passing into the back of the device mount <NUM> can be used to receive posts from a reinforcing backing plate as described in more detail below. However, the use of a backing plate is optional here, and the post holes <NUM> can be omitted if desired. Further, tooling holes <NUM> in the back of the device mount <NUM> can be used to hold spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR) nests or other targets, which can be used in conjunction with a laser tracker to track translations and angles. However, this functionality may not be needed, so the tooling holes <NUM> can be omitted if desired.

The inner hub <NUM> is connected to the device mount <NUM> using a first pair of support bars 118a-118b that attach to the inner hub <NUM> via first connecting arms 120a and that attach to the device mount <NUM> via second connecting arms 120b. The support bars 118a-118b are located on opposite sides of the device mount <NUM>. The support bars 118a-118b and the connecting arms 120a-120b form a first flexure that allows the device mount <NUM> to move by a small amount along a single axis within the inner hub <NUM> (up and down in <FIG>). For example, the device mount <NUM> can be moved upward in <FIG> until a projection <NUM> of the inner hub <NUM> (which couples the inner hub <NUM> to the first connecting arms 120a) contacts a projection <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> (which couples the device mount <NUM> to the second connecting arms 120b). A similar action can occur when the device mount <NUM> is moved downward in <FIG>. The projections <NUM> of the inner hub <NUM> can therefore function as hard stops to limit movement of the device mount <NUM> within the inner hub <NUM>.

The inner hub <NUM> can also include a second set of post holes <NUM> passing into the back of the inner hub <NUM>. The post holes <NUM> can be used to receive posts from a reinforcing backing plate as described in more detail below. However, since the use of the backing plate is optional here, the post holes <NUM> can be omitted if desired.

The outer hub <NUM> is connected to the inner hub <NUM> in a similar manner using a second pair of support bars 128a-128b that attach to the outer hub <NUM> via third connecting arms 130a and that attach to the inner hub <NUM> via fourth connecting arms 130b. The support bars 128a-128b are located on opposite sides of the inner hub <NUM>, and the support bars 128a-128b can extend in a direction generally transverse to the direction in which the first pair of support bars 118a-118b extends. The second pair of support bars 128a-128b and the connecting arms 130a-130b form a second flexure that allows the inner hub <NUM> to move by a small amount along a single axis within the outer hub <NUM> (left and right in <FIG>). For example, the inner hub <NUM> can be moved to the left in <FIG> until a projection <NUM> of the outer hub <NUM> (which couples the outer hub <NUM> to the third connecting arms 130a) contacts a projection <NUM> of the inner hub <NUM> (which couples the inner hub <NUM> to the fourth connecting arms 130b). A similar action can occur when the inner hub <NUM> is moved to the right in <FIG>. The projections <NUM> of the outer hub <NUM> can therefore function as hard stops to limit movement of the inner hub <NUM> within the outer hub <NUM>.

The support bars 118a-118b, 128a-128b and connecting arms 120a-120b, 130a-130b shown here are linear structures. This helps to constrain movement of the device mount <NUM> to two axes defined by these linear structures. In the illustrated example, the connecting arms 120a-120b and 130a-130b do not have a common thickness along their lengths. Rather, each connecting arm 120a-120b is generally thicker at or near its midpoint and thinner elsewhere. However, this is not required, and each connecting arm 120a-120b can have a substantially constant thickness along its length.

As can be seen here, the mounting device <NUM> incorporates a compound nested flexure formed by the first and second flexures described above ("compound" since there are multiple flexures and "nested" since the first flexure is positioned within the second flexure). In the absence of excessive forces on the mounting device <NUM>, the compound nested flexure constrains translational movement of the device mount <NUM> to one axis and constrains translational movement of the inner hub <NUM> to another perpendicular axis. As a result, the device mount <NUM> can be movable within the mounting device <NUM> along two perpendicular translational adjustment axes.

One side of the outer hub <NUM> includes a first opening <NUM>. As described in more detail below, the first opening <NUM> is configured to receive a lockable adjuster that can be inserted through the first opening <NUM> and used to alter and set the position of the inner hub <NUM> within the outer hub <NUM>. Two other sides of the outer hub <NUM> include second openings <NUM>, which align with openings in the inner hub <NUM> (not shown here). As described in more detail below, each second opening <NUM> is configured to receive a lockable adjuster, which can be inserted through that second opening <NUM> and through the opening in the inner hub <NUM> and used to alter and set the position of the device mount <NUM> within the inner hub <NUM>. Note that while two second openings <NUM> are described here, it is possible to alter and set the position of the device mount <NUM> within the inner hub <NUM> using a single lockable adjuster inserted through a single second opening <NUM>. Connecting bridges <NUM> can be used to physically couple the inner hub <NUM> to the second set of support bars 128a-128b, and the openings in the inner hub <NUM> can extend into the connecting bridges <NUM>. However, the connecting bridges <NUM> here are optional and can be omitted.

The outer hub <NUM> in this example also includes a number of flanges <NUM>, each of which includes a third opening <NUM>. As described in more detail below, the third openings <NUM> are configured to receive lockable adjusters that can be inserted through the third openings <NUM> and used to couple the outer hub <NUM> to a support structure. Also, individual lockable adjusters or combinations of lockable adjusters can be used to alter the tip or tilt of the mounting device <NUM>, which also adjusts the tip or tilt of the component coupled to the device mount <NUM>. In addition, the lockable adjusters can all be adjusted in order to move the entire mounting device <NUM> towards or away from the support structure to which the mounting device <NUM> is coupled (which provides a third translational degree of freedom). In this example, there are three flanges <NUM> with three circular third openings <NUM>, although this is for illustration only. The outer hub <NUM> can include any suitable number of flanges <NUM> in any suitable arrangement with third openings <NUM> having any suitable shape. However, the flanges <NUM> can be omitted here, such as when the third openings <NUM> are included in other portions of the outer hub <NUM>.

The outer hub <NUM> in this example further includes reinforcement holes <NUM> and pin holes <NUM>. The reinforcement holes <NUM> can represent internally-threaded holes or other structures that receive bolts, screws, or other fasteners used to connect a reinforcing backing plate to the mounting device <NUM> as described in more detail below. The pin holes <NUM> can receive pins or other structures that are insertable into holes of the backing plate in order to hold the backing plate in a suitable position during installation. Once the backing plate is maneuvered into a desired position, the fasteners can be inserted through the reinforcement holes <NUM> to secure the backing plate in place. In this example, there are three circular reinforcement holes <NUM> and two circular pin holes <NUM>, although this is for illustration only. The outer hub <NUM> can include any suitable number of reinforcement holes <NUM> and pin holes <NUM> having any suitable shapes and arrangements. However, since the backing plate is optional here, the reinforcement holes <NUM> and pin holes <NUM> can be omitted.

In this example, the device mount <NUM>, the inner hub <NUM>, and the outer hub <NUM> are generally coaxial or concentric, meaning they share a common central axis. The common central axis here extends through the center of the recess <NUM> shown in <FIG>. However, this need not be the case. For example, other embodiments can be used where the central axis of the inner hub <NUM> is offset from the central axis of the outer hub <NUM> or where the central axis of the device mount <NUM> is offset from the central axis/axes of the inner hub <NUM>, the outer hub <NUM>, or both.

The mounting device <NUM> shown in <FIG> can be formed from any suitable material(s). For example, in some embodiments, the mounting device <NUM> can be formed from aluminum, steel, titanium, or other metals or metal alloys. In other embodiments, the mounting device <NUM> can be formed from material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, such as Invar (also known generically as FeNi36 or 64FeNi).

The mounting device <NUM> can also be formed in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the mounting device <NUM> can be formed by machining, injection molding, three-dimensional (3D) printing, or other manufacturing technique that forms the mounting device <NUM> as a single integral structure. In other embodiments, individual components of the mounting device <NUM> can be formed separately and attached to form the mounting device <NUM>, such as via welding or brazing. In particular embodiments, the mounting device <NUM> can be fabricated from a single piece of material by using drilling, etching, or other machine operations to remove portions of the single piece of material and form the completed mounting device <NUM>.

The mounting device <NUM> here can have any suitable size, shape, and dimensions. Also, the mounting device <NUM> can be easily scalable to larger or smaller sizes as needed. For instance, the size of the mounting device <NUM> can be based on the component(s) to be coupled to the mounting device <NUM>, and the shape of the mounting device <NUM> can be based on the support structure to which the mounting device <NUM> will be coupled. Of course, any other or additional design considerations can be taken into account when designing and fabricating the mounting device <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the mounting device <NUM> supports five degrees of freedom, meaning adjustments can be made in five different ways to properly position, orient, or align an optical component or other component. Two degrees of freedom are translational degrees of freedom supported by the compound nested flexure. The compound flexure allows adjustment of the position of the device mount <NUM> within the inner hub <NUM> in a first direction (using a lockable adjuster inserted through the first opening <NUM>). The compound flexure also allows adjustment of the position of the inner hub <NUM> within the outer hub <NUM> in a second direction (using a lockable adjuster inserted through one of the second openings <NUM> and through a corresponding opening in the inner hub <NUM>). A third degree of freedom is a translational degree of freedom obtainable by adjusting the position of the mounting device <NUM> in a third direction towards or away from a support structure using all lockable adjusters inserted through all of the third openings <NUM>. The last two degrees of freedom are supported by adjusting some (but not all) of the lockable adjusters inserted through the third openings <NUM> to make tip/tilt adjustments. As noted above, if the optical component or other component coupled to the device mount <NUM> can be adjusted (such as by being rotated), one or more additional degrees of freedom can be obtained. It should be noted that not all degrees of freedom might need adjustment in particular circumstances.

In addition to providing a large number of degrees of freedom for adjustment, the mounting device <NUM> provides various additional features that can be useful or beneficial. For example, the first, second, and third directions mentioned above can be orthogonal, so changes made in one direction ideally do not affect the position of an optical component or other component in the other directions (at least to any optically noticeable or other significant extent). Also, since all of the adjusters used with the mounting device <NUM> are lockable, the mounting device <NUM> can be configured as needed and then locked into a suitable configuration. Even when used in harsh vibration environments or harsh other environments, the mounting device <NUM> can hold an optical component or other component in a desired position more securely. Further, in some embodiments, all of the lockable adjusters can be adjusted using the same tool, and potting is not required with the lockable adjusters (so adjustments can be made at any time). In addition, various features can be used with the mounting device <NUM>, such as a backing plate that helps to reduce or prevent stress-induced distortions caused by lockdown of the mounting device <NUM>.

It should be noted that while the mounting device <NUM> has been described above as being used to securely mount an optical component and hold the optical component in place, other uses of the mounting device <NUM> are also possible. For example, controllable actuators can be used with the mounting device <NUM> in place of the lockable adjusters. The controllable actuators can be controlled using suitable electrical or other control signals to alter the position, tip, tilt, or other aspect(s) of an optical component or other component coupled to the device mount <NUM>. This can be useful in various devices and systems, such as to provide optical image stabilization in cameras or video cameras or other automatic adjustments. This type of approach can also be used in super-resolution imaging systems or other high-resolution imaging systems.

Although <FIG> illustrate one example of a mounting device <NUM> with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms, various changes may be made to <FIG>. For example, the mounting device <NUM> itself and each of its individual components can have any suitable size, shape, and dimensions. Also, while often described as being used with an optical device or component, the mounting device <NUM> can be used with any suitable device or component in which accurate and precise mounting is needed or desired.

<FIG> illustrate an example use of a mounting device <NUM> with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms. In particular, <FIG> illustrate an example use of the mounting device <NUM> being coupled to an optical component, namely an optical mirror <NUM>. As noted above, however, the mounting device <NUM> can be used with various types of optical components or other components.

As shown in <FIG>, the mirror <NUM> generally has a flat reflective surface that is angled (oblique) with respect to a central optical axis of the mirror <NUM>. In use, this type of mirror <NUM> can be used to receive an optical beam and redirect the optical beam in a desired direction. However, it should be noted that various other types of mirrors can be used here, including convex, concave, or aspherical mirrors. A base of the mirror <NUM> can be inserted into or otherwise attached to a mirror hub <NUM>. The mirror hub <NUM> represents a structure that can be bolted or otherwise fastened to the mounting device <NUM> in order to secure the mirror <NUM> on the mounting device <NUM>. However, the mirror <NUM> can be coupled to the mounting device <NUM> directly or indirectly in any other suitable manner.

One or more fasteners <NUM> can be used to couple the device mount <NUM> to the mirror <NUM>. In this example, three fasteners <NUM> are used and can be inserted through the fastening holes <NUM> of the device mount <NUM>. These fasteners <NUM> can extend through the fastening holes <NUM> and into receptacles of the mirror hub <NUM> in this example, securing the mirror hub <NUM> to the device mount <NUM>. Each fastener <NUM> includes any suitable structure for fixedly connecting a device to a device mount, such as bolts or screws.

A lockable fastener <NUM> is insertable through the first opening <NUM> of the outer hub <NUM> and is used to control the position of the inner hub <NUM> within the outer hub <NUM>. As noted above, the inner hub <NUM> is movable within the outer hub <NUM> (left and right in <FIG>). The lockable fastener <NUM> can therefore move the inner hub <NUM> left or right in <FIG> within the outer hub <NUM> to provide translational movement of the device mount <NUM> in one direction. Similarly, another lockable fastener <NUM> is insertable through one of the second openings <NUM> of the outer hub <NUM> and through a corresponding fourth opening <NUM> of the inner hub <NUM> in order to control the position of the device mount <NUM> within the inner hub <NUM>. As noted above, the device mount <NUM> is movable within the inner hub <NUM> (up and down in <FIG>). The lockable fastener <NUM> can therefore move the device mount <NUM> up or down in <FIG> within the inner hub <NUM> to provide translational movement of the device mount <NUM> in another direction.

Three additional lockable fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are insertable through the third openings <NUM> of the flanges <NUM> in order to couple the mounting device <NUM> to a support structure. All three lockable fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be adjusted in the same way to move the mounting device <NUM> closer to the support structure or farther away from the support structure to provide translational movement of the device mount <NUM> in a third direction. Individual lockable fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> or combinations of some (but not all) lockable fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be adjusted to provide tip/tilt movement of the device mount <NUM>.

Each of the lockable fasteners <NUM>-<NUM> includes any suitable structure configured to alter and set the distance between two components. For example, in some embodiments, each lockable fastener <NUM>-<NUM> can include a "push-pull," an example of which is described below. In other embodiments, each lockable fastener <NUM>-<NUM> can include a differential screw with a jam nut.

In one aspect of use, a technician or other personnel can attach the mirror <NUM> or its hub <NUM> to the device mount <NUM> using the fasteners <NUM>, which can secure the mirror <NUM> or its hub <NUM> on the device mount <NUM>. The technician or other personnel can also attach the outer hub <NUM> to a support structure using the lockable fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, which can secure the mounting device <NUM> on the support structure. The technician or other personnel can also make adjustments to the lockable fasteners <NUM> and <NUM> to move the mirror <NUM> along two translational adjustment axes. The technician or other personnel can make further adjustments to one or more of the lockable fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> to move the mirror <NUM> along an additional translational adjustment axis or to make tip/tilt adjustments to the mirror <NUM>. This approach therefore supports a low part count and an easy assembly and adjustment process.

Although <FIG> illustrate one example use of a mounting device <NUM> with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms, various changes may be made to <FIG>. For example, the mounting device <NUM> can be used to mount any other suitable optical component or other component to a support structure. Also, the lockable fasteners <NUM>-<NUM> could be replaced by controllable actuators, and at least one controller can be used to control the actuators in order to provide automatic adjustments to the optical component(s) or other component(s).

<FIG> illustrate an example locking mechanism <NUM> in a mounting device according to this disclosure. The locking mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG> can, for example, represent any of the lockable fasteners <NUM>-<NUM> discussed above. However, as noted above, other embodiments of the lockable fasteners <NUM>-<NUM> can also be used.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> represents a "push-pull" device that is used to adjust and set a distance between two objects <NUM> and <NUM>. The object <NUM> may be referred to as a stationary object and the object <NUM> may be referred to as a movable object, although this is merely for convenience and does not impart any structural requirements on either of the objects <NUM> and <NUM>. In the mounting device <NUM>, the object <NUM> can represent the outer hub <NUM> when the object <NUM> represents the inner hub <NUM>, or the object <NUM> can represent the inner hub <NUM> when the object <NUM> represents the device mount <NUM>.

As shown here, the locking mechanism <NUM> includes an adjusting screw <NUM>, a conical washer <NUM>, and a locking screw <NUM>. The adjusting screw <NUM> has external threads, and the object <NUM> has corresponding internal threads. Thus, the adjusting screw <NUM> can be inserted into the internally-threaded portion of the object <NUM> so that the bottom of the adjusting screw <NUM> extends into the space between the objects <NUM> and <NUM>. The adjusting screw <NUM> can also be adjusted to achieve a desired distance between the objects <NUM> and <NUM>.

The locking screw <NUM> has external threads, while the object <NUM> has corresponding internal threads. To lock the position of the objects <NUM> and <NUM> with respect to each other, the threaded portion of the locking screw <NUM> is inserted into the internally-threaded portion of the object <NUM>. When the locking screw <NUM> is tightened, the conical washer <NUM> jams the tines of the adjusting screw <NUM>, which prevents the adjusting screw <NUM> from moving out of the object <NUM>.

Additional washers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are used here to support various functions. For example, the washer <NUM> can include an angled top used to receive the bottom of the adjusting screw <NUM> and to maintain separation of the adjusting screw <NUM> from the object <NUM>. The washer <NUM> can be used to maintain separation of the top of the locking screw <NUM> from the adjusting screw <NUM>. The washer <NUM> can represent a Belleville washer that helps to prevent undesired rotation of the locking screw <NUM> once tightened.

Although <FIG> illustrate one example of a locking mechanism <NUM> in a mounting device, various changes may be made to <FIG>. For example, the locking mechanism <NUM> itself and each of its individual components can have any suitable size, shape, and dimensions. Also, any other suitable locking mechanism can be used to separate multiple components of a mounting device and to lock the components of the mounting device in that position.

<FIG> illustrate another example use of a mounting device <NUM> with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms according to this disclosure. In this example, a lens or lens group <NUM> is inserted through the recess <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> and extends beyond the front and back of the device mount <NUM>. However, the lens or lens group <NUM> can have any other suitable size and shape, including a size and shape that fits within the recess <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> or that extends beyond the front or back (but not both) of the device mount <NUM>.

In this particular example, the lens or lens group <NUM> includes three lenses <NUM> arranged within a housing <NUM>. Two lenses <NUM> are positioned at ends of the housing <NUM>, while a third lens <NUM> is positioned at or near the middle of the housing <NUM>. However, this arrangement is for illustration only, and the lens or lens group <NUM> can include any suitable number of lenses (including a single lens) having any suitable arrangement with respect to the device mount <NUM>. The housing <NUM> here can include flanges that allow coupling via fasteners inserted through the fastening holes <NUM> of the device mount <NUM>, although the housing <NUM> can be secured to the device mount <NUM> in any other suitable manner.

Although <FIG> illustrate another example use of a mounting device <NUM> with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms, various changes may be made to <FIG>. For example, the mounting device <NUM> can be used to mount any other suitable optical component or other component to a support structure.

<FIG> illustrate an example backing plate <NUM> used with a mounting device <NUM> having integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms according to this disclosure. The backing plate <NUM> can be used to provide additional stiffness or other reinforcement for the mounting device <NUM>. This can be useful, for example, in order to reduce or avoid stress-induced distortions of the mounting device <NUM> or a component coupled to the mounting device <NUM> caused by lockdown of the mounting device <NUM>. Note that while the mounting device <NUM> in this example is coupled to the mirror <NUM>, the mounting device <NUM> can be coupled to any other suitable optical or non-optical component(s).

As shown in <FIG>, the backing plate <NUM> generally represents a flat plate, which in some embodiments can have a shape that is complementary to or that matches the shape of the back side of the mounting device <NUM>. In this example, the backing plate <NUM> includes openings <NUM> that generally align with the third openings <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM>. The openings <NUM> of the backing plate <NUM> can have the same size as the third openings <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM> or a different size (as long as the lockable fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are able to pass through the openings <NUM> into the third openings <NUM>).

The backing plate <NUM> also includes a number of fastener holes <NUM> through which fasteners <NUM> can pass in order to secure the backing plate <NUM> to the mounting device <NUM>. For example, the fasteners <NUM> can represent bolts, screws, or other connectors that pass through the fastener holes <NUM> and into the reinforcement holes <NUM> of the outer hub <NUM>. As noted above, the reinforcement holes <NUM> of the outer hub <NUM> can be internally-threaded holes or other structures that receive the fasteners <NUM> in order to secure the backing plate <NUM> on the mounting device <NUM>. The backing plate <NUM> further includes a number of pin holes <NUM>, where pins <NUM> inserted into the pin holes <NUM> of the outer hub <NUM> can enter into the pin holes <NUM> of the backing plate <NUM> in order to help hold the backing plate <NUM> in place during installation.

In addition, the backing plate <NUM> includes a number of posts <NUM>, which represent projections extending from the plate and which are insertable into the first set of post holes <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> and into the second set of post holes <NUM> of the inner hub <NUM>. This allows the backing plate <NUM> to engage the device mount <NUM> and the inner hub <NUM> in order to engage both flexures forming the compound nested flexure of the mounting device <NUM>. The post holes <NUM> and <NUM> here are "oversized," meaning each post hole <NUM> and <NUM> has a cross-sectional size that is larger than the cross-sectional size of a corresponding post <NUM>. As a result, the posts <NUM> of the backing plate <NUM> can be inserted into the post holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM> regardless of the adjustments to the positions of the device mount <NUM> and the inner hub <NUM> as described above. Injection channels <NUM> extend through the backing plate <NUM> and through the posts <NUM>. Once the flexures are set in their desired positions, a bonding agent can be injected through the injection channels <NUM> and into the spaces remaining within the post holes <NUM> and <NUM>. This can help to secure the inner hub <NUM> and the device mount <NUM> to the backing plate <NUM>.

Although <FIG> illustrate one example of a backing plate <NUM> used with a mounting device <NUM> having integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms, various changes may be made to <FIG>. For example, the backing plate <NUM> can have any other suitable size, shape, and dimensions and does not need to closely match the contours of the mounting device <NUM>. Also, the backing plate <NUM> can be secured to the mounting device <NUM> in any other suitable manner.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example system <NUM> that includes a mounting device <NUM> with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms according to this disclosure. In particular, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example system <NUM> in which a single mounting device <NUM> is used with the mirror <NUM> to redirect an optical beam.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an incoming optical beam <NUM> can be received, such as via a telescope or other structure, at a mirror <NUM>. The mirror <NUM> focuses the optical beam <NUM> and redirects the focused optical beam onto the mirror <NUM>. The mirror <NUM> then redirects the focused optical beam to one or more additional optical devices <NUM>. The additional optical device or devices <NUM> can support any suitable function or functions. For instance, the additional optical devices <NUM> can include one or more splitters for dividing the optical beam into different portions, one or more additional mirrors for redirecting the optical beam or portions thereof, and one or more cameras or other detectors or sensors for measuring or sensing the optical beam or portions thereof. In general, the system <NUM> can include any suitable focal or afocal optical system components that are configured to receive and process at least one optical beam in some manner. Here, "processing" can include redirecting an optical beam, focusing or expanding an optical beam, splitting an optical, combining optical beams, measuring one or more characteristics of an optical beam, or other functions that alter or measure a beam in some manner. A housing <NUM> surrounds or otherwise contains the mirrors <NUM> and <NUM> and the additional optical devices <NUM>. The housing <NUM> represents a support structure on or to which the mounting device <NUM> can be coupled.

In some embodiments, the additional optical devices <NUM> can be packaged and installed on a ground, airborne, or space vehicle or other fixed or movable structure. Within their own package, the additional optical devices <NUM> can be precisely positioned, oriented, and aligned so that the additional optical devices <NUM> perform desired operations. Similarly, a telescope that receives the optical beam <NUM> (and its associated mirror <NUM>) can be installed on the ground, airborne, or space vehicle or other fixed or movable structure. However, the specific positions and orientations of the telescope and the package containing the optical devices <NUM> may not be exactly consistent across all vehicles or other fixed or movable structures. If the mirror <NUM> was simply mounted in a predefined location on the housing <NUM>, the optical system <NUM> may perform poorly or less optimally since the focused incoming beam from the mirror <NUM> may not be redirected as expected to the additional optical devices <NUM>. By mounting the mirror <NUM> on the mounting device <NUM> and mounting the device <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, the mounting device <NUM> allows the position, orientation, or alignment of the mirror <NUM> to be adjusted as needed. This helps to facilitate more accurate operation of the system <NUM>.

Although <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate one example of a system <NUM> that includes a mounting device <NUM> with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms, various changes may be made to <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the system <NUM> can include any number of components mounted using any number of mounting devices <NUM>. Also, one or more instances of the mounting device <NUM> can be used in any other suitable manner.

<FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> for using a mounting device with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms according to this disclosure. For ease of explanation, the method <NUM> is described as using the mounting device <NUM> with an optical device (such as a mirror <NUM> or lens/lens group <NUM>) and a backing plate <NUM>. However, the method <NUM> can involve the use of any suitable mounting device(s) with any suitable optical or other component(s), and the use of the backing plate is optional.

As shown in <FIG>, lockable adjusters are inserted into a mounting device at step <NUM>. This can include, for example, inserting a lockable fastener <NUM> through a first opening <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM> and inserting a lockable fastener <NUM> through a second opening <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM>. The mounting device is secured to a support structure using additional lockable adjusters at step <NUM>. This can include, for example, inserting lockable fasteners <NUM>-<NUM> through third openings <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM>. This can also include using the lockable fasteners <NUM>-<NUM> to attach the mounting device <NUM> to a housing <NUM> or other structure of a larger device or system.

At least one optical component or other component is coupled to the mounting device at step <NUM>. This can include, for example, passing the fasteners <NUM> through the fastening holes <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM> and securing a mirror <NUM> or lens/lens group <NUM> to the device mount <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM> using the fasteners <NUM>. However, any other suitable technique can be used to fixedly or removably attach one or more components to the device mount <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM>.

The lockable adjusters can be used to perform translational adjustments to the at least one optical component or other component at step <NUM>. This can include, for example, using the lockable fastener <NUM> to move the inner hub <NUM> within the outer hub <NUM> along one axis and using the lockable fastener <NUM> to move the device mount <NUM> within the inner hub <NUM> along other axis. These two axes can be orthogonal.

The additional lockable adjusters can be used to perform additional translational adjustment and tip/tilt adjustments to the at least one optical component or other component at step <NUM>. This can include, for example, adjusting all of the lockable fasteners <NUM>-<NUM> to move the mounting device <NUM> closer to or farther from the housing <NUM> or other support structure along a third axis. All three axes can be orthogonal. This can also include adjusting one or some (but not all) of the lockable fasteners <NUM>-<NUM> to alter the tip/tilt of the component(s).

If desired, a backing plate can be attached to the mounting device and engage the compound flexure of the mounting device at step <NUM>. This can include, for example, passing the fasteners <NUM> through the fastener holes <NUM> of the backing plate <NUM> into the reinforcement holes <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM> to secure the backing plate <NUM> to the outer hub <NUM>. This can also include inserting the pins <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM> into the pin holes <NUM> of the backing plate <NUM> and inserting the posts <NUM> of the backing plate <NUM> into the post holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM>. This can further include injecting a bonding agent through the injection channels <NUM> to fill remaining spaces in the post holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the mounting device <NUM>.

Although <FIG> illustrates one example of a method <NUM> for using a mounting device with integrated alignment adjustment features and locking mechanisms, various changes may be made to <FIG>. For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in <FIG> can overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur any number of times. As a particular example, the mounting device <NUM> can be coupled to a support structure after an optical component or other component is coupled to the mounting device <NUM>.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The phrase "associated with," as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like.

The description in this patent document should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included in the claim scope. Also, none of the claims is intended to invoke <NUM> U. § <NUM>(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words "means for" or "step for" are explicitly used in the particular claim, followed by a participle phrase identifying a function. Use of terms such as (but not limited to) "mechanism," "module," "device," "unit," "component," "element," "member," "apparatus," "machine," "system," "processor," "processing device," or "controller" within a claim is understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and is not intended to invoke <NUM> U. § <NUM>(f).

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a device mount (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to a component (<NUM>);
an inner hub (<NUM>) coupled to the device mount by a first flexure (118a-118b, 120a-120b), the first flexure configured to permit translational movement of the device mount within the inner hub along a first axis;
an outer hub (<NUM>) coupled to the inner hub by a second flexure (128a-128b, 130a-130b), the second flexure configured to permit translational movement of the device mount and the inner hub within the outer hub along a second axis different from the first axis, the first and second flexures forming a compound nested flexure, wherein the outer hub is configured to be coupled to a support structure and to permit both (i) translational movement of the apparatus along a third axis different from the first and second axes and (ii) tip or tilt adjustment of the apparatus; and
a first lockable adjuster (<NUM>) configured to control movement of the device mount within the inner hub in order to control the translational movement along the first axis;
a second lockable adjuster (<NUM>) configured to control movement of the inner hub within the outer hub in order to control the translational movement along the second axis; and
third lockable adjusters (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to couple the outer hub to the support structure and to control the translational movement along the third axis and the tip or tilt adjustment.