Grooved Mount for Optical Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical structure mounts fail to maintain the perpendicularity and optical flatness of reflective surfaces due to external stresses such as thermal expansion and adhesive deflection, leading to dimensional instability and distortion.
Innovation Solution
A mount design featuring a grooved protruding member with a base element and upper element, where the grooved member dissipates stresses and maintains dimensional stability, ensuring high optical flatness and secure mounting with minimal external stress impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid mounts are used to securely retain optical structures, then mounting security is improved, but external stresses from thermal expansion and adhesive deflection cause distortion and loss of optical flatness
Solution Approach 1:
The mount incorporates a flexible membrane structure that can deform to accommodate thermal expansion and adhesive deflection stresses without transmitting these stresses to the optical structure, thereby maintaining optical flatness while retaining mounting security
Solution Approach 2:
The mount design changes the mechanical parameters of the mounting system by introducing compliance elements that allow controlled deformation, enabling the system to absorb stresses through elastic deformation rather than rigid constraint
2Manufacturing precision
If flexible materials are used in mounts to reduce stress transmission, then optical flatness is improved, but dimensional stability is lost as forces constantly change the dimensions of the optical structure
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is segmented into distinct functional zones: a flexible membrane region for stress absorption and a rigid dimensional reference region for stability, allowing each zone to perform its specific function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The mount introduces an intermediary flexible membrane structure between the optical structure and the mounting hardware, which mediates the transmission of forces by absorbing deformations while maintaining dimensional stability of the optical structure
3Strength
If adhesive curing is used to join optical elements, then secure bonding is achieved, but deflection during curing causes stress and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The mount incorporates compliance elements and stress-absorbing features in advance of the adhesive curing process, providing a cushioning effect that prevents deflection stresses from developing during the curing shrinkage and bonding process
Data Source
AI summary
An improved mount for, and method of mounting, an optical structure having a grooved/relieved protruding member is provided. The mount may have the grooved/relieved protruding member extending from a surface of the optical structure, a base element for mounting the mount to another structure and an upper element extending from the base element having a first opening extending therethrough for receipt therein of at least a portion of the grooved/relieved member. The first opening defines first and second arms, each of the arms comprising a head portion and each of the head portions ending at an end. A second opening in the upper element extends through one of the head portions and the end thereof in a direction toward the other head portion, while a third opening exists in the upper element through the end of the other head portion in an orientation substantially opposite to and in communication with the second opening so that a tightening mechanism may be received through the second opening and the third opening. Tightening of the tightening mechanism into the third opening causes the ends of the head portions to draw toward each other so that the first opening of the upper element tightens around the at least a portion of the grooved/relieved protruding member.