CTE Gradient Mounting Members for Optical Window Athermalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window mounting systems in optical systems face challenges in withstanding mechanical and thermal stresses due to material differences in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the window and the frame, leading to structural integrity issues and optical distortion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating mounting members with a CTE between the window and the frame, along with a bonding agent, to create a CTE gradient that reduces the thickness of the adhesive joint while maintaining athermalization and structural integrity, thereby minimizing stress on the window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bonding agent is used to mount the optical element in the frame, then the connection can withstand mechanical loads and thermal stresses, but the adhesive joint thickness must be increased to compensate for CTE differences, which compromises structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting member with a specific coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is intermediate between the CTE of the optical element and the frame. This parameter change in the mounting member's material properties creates a gradient that reduces thermal stress, allowing for a thinner adhesive joint while maintaining both connection reliability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting member acts as an intermediary element between the optical element and the frame. This intermediate component with its specific CTE value mediates the thermal expansion differences, distributing stresses more evenly and enabling a thinner adhesive joint to suffice for both sealing and structural purposes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the adhesive joint thickness is increased to compensate for CTE differences, then athermalization is achieved, but the structural integrity and optical clarity of the window assembly is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the CTE parameter of the mounting member to an intermediate value between the optical element and frame, the patent achieves athermalization with a much thinner adhesive joint. This parameter optimization allows the adhesive layer to be thin enough to maintain structural integrity and optical clarity while still providing sufficient thermal compensation.
3Reliability
If the adhesive joint thickness is increased to compensate for CTE differences, then thermal stress compensation is improved, but optical distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the CTE parameter of the mounting member to create a thermal gradient that compensates for expansion differences. This allows for a thin adhesive joint that maintains optical clarity while still providing effective thermal stress compensation, as the intermediate CTE value distributes thermal loads more evenly across the assembly.
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
This approach reduces the thickness of the adhesive joint, enhancing structural integrity and minimizing optical distortion by compensating for thermal expansion differences without excessive adhesive thickness, thus improving the window assembly's performance under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
One or more mounting members having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is between a CTE of the plate and a CTE of the window is arranged between the window and the plate
Data Source
AI summary
An athermalized window assembly intended for mounting in or on the exterior of a vehicle and associated method, the assembly comprising a window arranged with one or more mounting members in an opening in a plate. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the mounting members is between a coefficient of thermal expansion associated with the window and a coefficient of thermal expansion associated with the plate. The mounting members may comprise a plurality of skirts that form a coefficient of thermal expansion gradient between the window and the plate.