Kinematic Mirror Mount Reduces Deformation via Segmented Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical mirror mounts often overconstrain optical elements, leading to deformations and poor image quality due to excessive constraints, which can be detrimental in applications requiring robustness and precision.
Innovation Solution
A spatially efficient kinematic mirror mount with three spaced-apart constraint structures, each providing exactly one tangential constraint, using shoulder screws or pins with clamping screws to constrain the mirror within a plane without overconstraining, thereby reducing the risk of deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple constraint structures (screws, pins, slots) are used to secure the mirror to the housing, then the mirror is firmly constrained and stabilized, but the mirror becomes overconstrained leading to deformation and astigmatism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes redundant constraint structures from the mirror mounting system. Specifically, it eliminates the pin-and-slot mechanism and reduces the number of screws, keeping only three screws positioned at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. This extraction of unnecessary constraints prevents overconstraining the mirror while maintaining adequate stability through the three precisely positioned screw constraints.
2Area of stationary object
If constraint structures are positioned close together, then the mounting structure is compact and space-efficient, but the constraints become redundant and cause overconstraining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the constraint structures by positioning three screws at the vertices of an equilateral triangle inscribed in a circle around the mirror. This spatial segmentation ensures that constraints are distributed evenly around the mirror perimeter, maximizing the effective use of mounting space while preventing redundant constraints. The triangular arrangement provides optimal geometric distribution, with each screw constraint acting independently without interfering with the others.
3Strength
If rigid constraint structures are used to firmly secure the mirror, then the mounting is robust and stable, but the mirror cannot accommodate thermal or mechanical stress changes, leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of constraint flexibility by using a limited number of precisely positioned screw constraints rather than multiple rigid constraints. The three screws positioned at triangular vertices provide sufficient mechanical strength and stability while creating a compliant mounting system that can accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical stress changes. This parameter optimization allows the mirror to maintain its shape under varying environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A spatially efficient kinematic mirror mount for mounting a mirror or other optical element to a housing. The kinematic mirror mount may include three spaced-apart constraint structures, positioned at or near the outer perimeter or circumference of the mirror. The constraint structures constrain the mirror to lie within a plane, typically the x-y plane defined by the orientation of the housing, substantially without overconstraining the mirror. To accomplish this, each of the three constraint structures may constrain the mirror in the x-y plane by independently providing a tangential constraint to the mirror. The constraint structures may include a tab, coupled to the mirror by a flexure, and a fastening assembly for securing the tab to the housing.