Adaptive Optical Device with Segmented Flexible Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive optical devices, such as deformable mirrors, are bulky, heavy, and costly due to the need for numerous actuators and a rigid structure, which complicates manufacturing and reduces reliability and responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive optical device with a deformable plate supported by legs fixed to a frame, where each leg has a movable portion connected to actuators to deform locally and transmit force to the plate, and a fixed portion attached to the frame for immobilization, simplifying the structure and reducing the number of actuators required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a large number of actuators and rigid arms are used to deform the plate, then the desired deformation amplitude is achieved, but the device becomes bulky, heavy, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the deformation function by using a flexible membrane divided into multiple zones, each controlled by a single actuator. This replaces the traditional approach where multiple actuators were needed per arm, significantly reducing the total number of actuators and device weight while maintaining deformation precision through zonal control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible membrane instead of a rigid plate with thick arms. The membrane can be locally deformed by actuators and naturally transmits the deformation across its surface, eliminating the need for heavy rigid arms while achieving the desired wavefront deformation
2Reliability
If the plate and ring are made thick and rigid to reduce alteration risk, then structural stability is improved, but the actuators must be oversized and the system becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane provides structural stability through its tension and geometric configuration rather than thickness. This allows the use of smaller, less powerful actuators compared to rigid thick-plate systems, reducing the overall power requirements and device weight while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible membrane system that adapts its shape through actuator control. This dynamic approach allows thin-film construction with adequate stability, avoiding the need for heavy rigid components and high-power actuators
3Manufacturing precision
If numerous arms with pairs of actuators are used to deform the plate, then the deformation control is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into multiple independent zones that can be controlled by individual actuators. This segmentation approach simplifies the control architecture compared to multiple arms with paired actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise deformation control through independent zonal actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple arms and their respective actuators into a single integrated membrane structure with distributed actuators. This consolidation reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall device architecture while preserving deformation control capabilities
4Manufacturing precision
If actuators are positioned with extreme accuracy on arms, then the deformation accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane provides a compliant mounting surface for actuators that can accommodate minor positioning variations. This flexibility reduces the stringency of actuator positioning requirements compared to rigid arm structures, lowering manufacturing costs and setup complexity while maintaining deformation accuracy
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
The solution results in a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective adaptive optical device that is easy to implement and service, with improved accuracy and reliability in deforming wavefronts for optical aberration correction.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable plate intended to deform an incident wavefront by refraction and/or reflection
Implementation Method 2
a deformable plate intended to deform an incident wavefront by refraction and/or reflection
Implementation Method 3
each leg comprising a movable portion connected to at least one respective peripheral actuator so the latter could locally deform said leg so that the latter transmits a deformation force to said deformable plate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an adaptive optical device (I) comprising a deformable plate (2) intended to deform an incident wavefront by refraction and/or reflection, characterised in that it comprises: —tabs (5) fixedly attached to the plate (2), —a frame (21) fixed relative to the plate (2), each tab (5) comprising a moving portion (22) connected to at least one respective peripheral actuator (7) in order that the latter can locally deform the tab (5) in order that the tab transmits a deformation force to the deformable plate (2), each tab (5) further comprising a respective fixed portion (23) fixedly attached to the frame (21) in order to be immobilised relative to the frame. The invention is particularly suitable for the introduction or controlled correction of an optical aberration in an incident wavefront.