Cryogenic Mount Flexures Absorb Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting of optical elements is challenging due to deformation or damage caused by thermal and acceleration variances, particularly in extreme environments like space where temperature and gravitational forces can significantly stress the mount and the optic element.
Innovation Solution
A mount with grooved flexures and intermediate bonds that extend outwardly to receive the optic element, cushioning it against acceleration and compensating for thermal expansion mismatches, thereby reducing distortion and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the mount rigidly secures the optic element to ensure stable positioning, then the mounting precision is improved, but the optic element is more susceptible to damage from thermal stress and acceleration forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible flexures instead of rigid mounting structures. These flexures can elastically deform to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining secure attachment of the optic element, thereby reducing stress concentration and potential damage during temperature variations and acceleration events.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system utilizes materials with matched coefficients of thermal expansion to minimize differential thermal stress. By carefully selecting materials whose expansion parameters match or are compatible with the optic element, the system reduces thermal stress while maintaining precise positioning across a range of temperatures.
2Reliability
If the mount uses strong bonding to secure the optic element, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the optic element may deform under combined thermal and acceleration stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting design incorporates compliant flexures that act as cushioning elements between the rigid mount structure and the optic element. These flexures absorb and distribute acceleration forces and thermal stresses before they can be transmitted to the optic element, protecting it from deformation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs composite construction combining rigid mounting components with flexible bonding elements. This composite approach allows the structure to maintain overall rigidity for positioning while incorporating compliant elements that protect the optic element from stress concentration, achieving both reliable attachment and stress protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mount structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to compensate for thermal expansion mismatch is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into distinct functional segments: rigid mounting components for positioning, flexible flexures for stress absorption, and bonding interfaces for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate flexure elements as mediators between the rigid mount structure and the optic element. These intermediaries provide thermal expansion compensation and stress relief while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture and assemble.
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 effectively reduces distortion and damage to the optic element by absorbing acceleration forces and accommodating thermal expansion differences, maintaining optical quality under extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate bonds are configured to cushion the mountable element against an acceleration of the mount
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate bonds are configured to compensate for a mismatch between different coefficients of thermal expansion of the flexures and the mountable element
Implementation Method 3
The flexures are configured to be outwardly extendable against a restorative bias, for receiving an edge portion of the mountable element in the grooved portion
Data Source
AI summary
A mount for a mountable element includes a frame, and a plurality of flexures supported by the frame. The plurality of flexures are configured to be outwardly extended against a restorative bias, so that the element can be inserted therebetween. The mount further includes a plurality of intermediate bonds that may be inserted between the plurality of flexures and the element while the plurality of flexures are outwardly extended. Among other things, a system and method mounting the element are also disclosed.