Modular Tilt Mount
1. Introduction
The K-Optics Tilt Mount is an optomechanical accessory for mounting optical components such as mirrors, lenses, etc. Most optical setups require a means of mounting optical elements to a breadboard with some desired orientation. Within the K-Optics ecosystem of parts the Tilt Mount is the solution to that problem.
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Figure 1 A K-Optics Tilt Mount holding a slide of a single slit in the Slit Diffraction experiment. Front and back
2. Description and Materials
The Tilt Mount is injection molded from carefully and professionally selected engineering grade, glass-filled polymers. It is deliberately designed to grant the user relevant experience with traditional optical setups, all while being completely innovative with its quick-change mechanism which allows practically instantaneous replacement of mounted optical components. Traditionally, one requires a specialized mount for each type and size of optical element. In contrast, the K-Optics Tilt Mount is compatible with a wide variety of components and sizes thereof. It is capable of fine adjustment across three differential screws with a total of 0.25 [mm/rev].
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Figure 2 A plate beamsplitter mounted to a Tilt Mount. Inclinations are adjustable using the screw mechanisms
Operating Principle
The quick-change mechanism is possible due to the structure of the mount. The Tilt Mount’s working levers are not spring-loaded like in traditional setups. Instead of pulling, the Tilt’s springs push on two pins which force the mounting frame against the Tilt’s adjustment bulbs, its working levers. These bulbs, in turn, are adjusted forward and backward by a differential screw mechanism. This allows the optical element to be detached from the mounting mechanism, allowing for universal compatibility of the Tilt Mount, as well as control of the inclinations and displacement.
The differential screw mechanism includes four main parts: the outer screw, its housing, the inner screw, and its housing. The inner and outer screws make contact on the inside of the outer screw where the threading is M6x0.75 while the outer screw makes contact with its housing where the threading is M10x1. In order to create linear translation, the inner screw’s housing is polygonal and does not allow turning, forcing the inner screw and the bulb which is connected to it pull on the mounting frame or release tension. All things considered; the differential screw mechanism allows linear translation at 0.25[mm/rev]
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Figure 3 A cross-section of a Tilt Mount under adjustment
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Figure 4 The LASER housing opens to allow light through only when the LASER is assembled to the mount.
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In conclusion, the K-Optics Tilt Mount is an affordable yet powerful optomechanical accessory for mounting optical elements. It is designed to allow quick-change of optical components as well as fine control of their position and orientation.
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Figure 5 Rendered Assembly illustration of Tilt Mount Mechanism
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