Hinge Mechanism for Deployable Small Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanisms for compacting and deploying optical systems, such as those used by NASA, are complex, bulky, and expensive, and lack the precision and cost-effectiveness needed for accurately positioning segmented mirrors, especially for small systems where the accuracy required is on the order of a thousandth or millionth of an inch.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a base, mirror segment base, mirror segment, and ultrahigh resolution micro linear actuators, along with ceramic bearings and metal flexures, allowing precise adjustment and movement of mirror segments between stowed and operational positions, utilizing ceramic bearings with low surface roughness and spherical deviation for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If current mechanisms are used to compact and deploy optical systems, then the systems can be reduced in size for storage, but the mechanisms become complex, bulky, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into modular components (optical elements, hinge assemblies, actuators) that can be independently positioned and assembled. This segmentation allows the system to be compacted into a smaller storage volume while using simpler, less bulky mechanisms compared to traditional monolithic deployment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are nested within each other in a compact configuration for storage, with each element able to be housed within the structure of previous elements. This nesting approach achieves extreme space reduction without requiring complex external mechanisms, as the elements themselves form the deployment structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If current mechanisms are used to position segmented mirrors, then positioning can be achieved, but the mechanisms are larger and more costly than the entire small system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional bulky mechanical positioning mechanisms with ultrahigh resolution micro linear actuators that use electromagnetic fields and piezoelectric effects to achieve precise positioning. This substitution dramatically reduces the size and cost of positioning mechanisms while maintaining or improving accuracy to sub-micron levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the positioning system by using micro-scale actuators with ultrahigh resolution capabilities rather than traditional macro-scale mechanical systems. This parameter change enables precise positioning of segmented mirrors with accuracy on the order of a thousandth or millionth of an inch using mechanisms that are smaller and less costly than the optical elements themselves.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mechanisms are used for deploying optical systems, then deployment can be achieved, but the mechanisms are bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible hinge assemblies with bearings and flexures that enable smooth deployment motion of optical elements. These flexible components replace traditional rigid mechanical linkages, significantly reducing the weight and bulk of the deployment mechanism while maintaining ease of operation and precise control throughout the deployment sequence.
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 enables a compact, low-cost, and highly precise mechanism for deploying segmented mirrors, achieving the required accuracy and reducing the complexity of optical system deployment, making it suitable for small and large systems alike.
Implementation Method 1
each bearing may have a maximum surface roughness of 0.5 Ra and a maximum deviation from spherical shape of 0.000003 inches
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first, second, and third linear actuators may be an ultrahigh resolution micro linear actuator
Implementation Method 3
at least two flexures configured to couple the mirror segment base to the base
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for a deployable mirror includes a base, a mirror segment base coupled to the base, a mirror segment coupled to the mirror segment base by two bearings, and at least one linear actuator secured to the base and capable of adjusting the mirror segment. Other embodiments of the hinge assembly are further disclosed.