Mirror Mount Flexures at Bessel Points for Distortion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray devices, such as CT devices, suffer from image resolution and accuracy issues due to mirror distortion caused by gravity, temperature variation, manufacturing imperfections, and vibratory loads, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A mirror mount assembly using engineered flexures arranged at Bessel points to provide unconstrained translational degrees of freedom, minimizing distortion by allowing the mirror to move in specific directions while being supported by adhesive pads that allow rotational freedom, thereby reducing the impact of thermal and vibratory loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a mirror is rigidly mounted to maintain its shape, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the mirror becomes sensitive to thermal expansion and gravitational distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the mounting system by introducing flexures with specific degrees of freedom. The flexures allow the mirror to move in certain directions while constraining movement in other directions, thereby accommodating thermal expansion and gravitational distortion without compromising the mirror's optical shape accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple independent flexure elements arranged in a triangular pattern. Each flexure provides specific mechanical compliance, and their collective arrangement creates a stable platform that isolates the mirror from environmental disturbances while maintaining positional accuracy.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mirror is allowed to move freely to accommodate thermal expansion, then stability under temperature variation is improved, but image resolution deteriorates due to mirror displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static rigid mount to a dynamic flexible mount that adapts to thermal changes. The flexures provide controlled compliance, allowing the mirror to move naturally with thermal expansion while the adhesive pads and flexure geometry ensure that these movements do not translate into disruptive displacements that would degrade image resolution.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional rigid mounting methods are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the mirror suffers from distortion under vibratory loads and gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible elements (flexures) instead of rigid mounting structures. These flexures are engineered with specific geometries that provide the necessary compliance to accommodate gravitational and vibratory loads while maintaining the mirror's shape. The combination of flexures and adhesive pads creates a mounting system that is both simple to manufacture and highly reliable in maintaining optical 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 significantly improves image quality and extends the lifespan of the mirror and X-ray device by maintaining the mirror's shape under varying conditions, reducing assembly costs through the use of standardized flexures.
Implementation Method 1
first, second, and third flexures arranged in a pattern on the backing; Each flexure of the first, second, and third flexures can have one respective unconstrained translational degree of freedom
Implementation Method 2
a mirror supported by the first, second, and third flexures
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes: a backing defining a plane extending in first and second directions; first through third flexures arranged in a pattern on the backing; and a mirror supported by the first through third flexures. Each flexure of the first through third flexures can have one respective unconstrained translational degree of freedom (DOF) in the plane. The mirror has an optical axis, and the unconstrained translational degree of freedom of each flexure of the first through third flexures can be perpendicular to the optical axis. The pattern can include the first flexure at a first location, the second flexure at a second location, and the third flexure at a third location, and the first through third locations are Bessel points of the mirror. The unconstrained translational DOF of the first through third flexures can be oriented to intersect at a thermal center of expansion of the mirror.