Low-Obscuration Reflector Assembly With Rotating Flat Mirror
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Reflecting telescopes with Ritchey-Chrétien optics suffer from large obscuration areas due to the support structure of the deviating mirror, reducing light collection efficiency and requiring heavy, complex motor systems for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A reflecting assembly with a compact support structure and a flat mirror that rotates around a fixed axis, minimizing shadow area and using simple, lightweight linear actuators for precise adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a prior art reflecting assembly with a large support structure is used to hold the deviating mirror, then the mirror can be stably positioned and adjusted, but the obscuration area of the primary mirror increases, reducing light collection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent arms that are distributed around the optical axis. This segmentation allows the mirror to be supported at multiple points while minimizing the overall footprint and obscuration area of the primary mirror.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a planar configuration to a three-dimensional radial arrangement with arms extending outward from the optical axis. This dimensional change allows the mirror to be positioned stably while the support arms occupy minimal area on the primary mirror surface.
2Reliability
If a prior art reflecting assembly with large lateral support arms is used, then the mirror can be adjusted and held stably, but the overall dimensions of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses asymmetric arm lengths and angles radiating from the optical axis, allowing optimization of each arm's function while minimizing overall lateral dimensions. The asymmetric design enables stable mirror support with a more compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable elements that allow the lateral dimensions to be optimized dynamically. The arms can be positioned at optimal angles and lengths to provide stable support while minimizing the overall lateral footprint of the assembly.
3Measurement precision
If a pair of electric motors and synchronisation means are used for mirror adjustment, then the mirror can be precisely positioned, but the weight of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronisation function is extracted from the mechanical system and implemented through software control. A single motor controls the adjustment mechanism, and the synchronisation of multiple adjustment points is achieved through electronic control algorithms rather than mechanical synchronization gears and motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical synchronization system with multiple motors and gears is replaced with an electronic control system. A single motor drives the adjustment mechanism, and precise positioning is achieved through electronic feedback and control algorithms, eliminating the weight of multiple motors and synchronization mechanisms.
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
Enhances light collection efficiency by reducing obscuration and weight, while maintaining high precision and rigidity at a lower cost.
Implementation Method 1
a flat mirror (20) inclined by 45° with respect to the axis X to deflect the rays laterally towards the instruments
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
A reflecting assembly which can be used in a reflecting telescope comprising a primary mirror (M1) and a secondary mirror (M2) spaced apart and substantially coaxial along an optical axis (X), the reflecting assembly being designed to be arranged between the primary mirror (M1) and the secondary mirror (M2) to deflect the rays coming from the latter along an axis (Y) substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (X). The reflecting assembly has an extension along a main axis (X') and being designed to be fixed to a platform (8) so that the main axis (X') is coaxial with the optical axis (X). The reflecting assembly (10) comprises a flat mirror (20) defining a reflecting plane (π') designed to remain transversal to the main axis (X') to intercept the rays coming from the secondary mirror (M2) and a structure (30) for supporting the flat mirror (20) designed to be fixed with the platform (8). The mirror (20) has a flat circular-shaped reflecting upper face (21), the latter defining the reflecting plane (π'), there being provided for a median axis (Y1) passing through the centre of the upper face (21) and designed to remain in use perpendicular to the main axis (X') said support structure (30) being configured to rotate the reflecting plane (π') with respect to the median axis (Y1).