Deformable Mirror With Electrostatic Attachment For Replaceable Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deformable mirror devices require complete system replacement or time-consuming and expensive repair due to the inability to easily replace or remove the reflective membrane, which degrades over time, and the thick membranes generate heat and unwanted deformation.
Innovation Solution
A deformable mirror device utilizing electrically isolated electrodes to create an electrostatic attraction force, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the reflective layer, eliminating the need for adhesives or mechanical fixing, and enabling the reflective layer to be replaced or repaired without damaging the mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive bonding is used to fix the reflective membrane to the actuator, then the membrane is securely attached, but the membrane cannot be easily removed or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adhesive bonding system with an electrostatic field-based attachment system. Two electrodes generate an electrostatic field that creates an attractive force between the actuator and the deformable mirror sheet, enabling secure attachment during operation while allowing easy removal by switching off the field or equalizing the electric potential.
2Reliability
If the reflective membrane is made thicker to improve durability, then the membrane is more robust, but more heat is generated causing unwanted deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of membrane thickness to a much smaller scale (micrometer-thin membranes). This thin membrane design significantly reduces heat generation and eliminates unwanted thermal deformation while maintaining sufficient durability through the electrostatic attachment mechanism and protective coating layers.
3Strength
If adhesive bonding is used to attach the actuator to the base, then the actuator is securely fixed, but the entire system must be replaced when the membrane degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deformable mirror system into three separable components: the base with actuator, the electrostatic field mechanism (electrodes), and the deformable mirror sheet. This segmentation allows the mirror sheet to be independently replaced while keeping the actuator and base in place, significantly improving system modularity and reducing maintenance costs.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the reflective layer is made thinner to reduce heat, then heat generation is reduced, but the layer becomes more fragile and harder to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure for the deformable mirror sheet, combining a thin reflective layer (for minimal heat generation) with a flexible substrate layer (for mechanical strength and handling). The electrostatic field then acts on this composite structure to achieve the desired deformation, effectively decoupling the thermal and mechanical requirements.
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
Enables easy and cost-effective replacement or repair of the reflective layer by switching the electrostatic force on and off, reducing maintenance time and preventing damage to the mirror during removal, while maintaining optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage difference is applied between the electrodes to create an electrostatic attraction force that attaches the deformable mirror sheet to the actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
Deformable mirror device comprising a reflective layer (1) for reflecting electromagnetic radiation, an actuator (2) for deforming the reflective layer essentially perpendicular to its surface and a base (3) for supporting the actuator. To allow an easy removal of mirror sheet comprising the reflective layer this deformable mirror comprises a first electrode (12) coupled to the actuator (2), and a second electrode (11), which first and second electrodes are electrically isolated and arranged relative to each other. Thus, the reflective layer (1) is coupled to the actuator (2) intermediately via the first and second electrode (11, 12). The invention also relates to a method to adhere a mirror sheet of a deformable mirror to an actuator.