Low Profile Retroreflector Assembly Mounting Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retroreflector assemblies with high aspect ratios suffer from stability issues due to tall designs, which increase weight and susceptibility to thermal effects, vibration, and shock, leading to degradation in optical performance.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile retroreflector assembly design with a vertical height smaller than the clear aperture, utilizing three optically flat reflective plates at right angles, and a housing with a mounting element that secures the retroreflector, minimizing thermal effects and enhancing stability and optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high aspect ratio design with a tall housing is used to secure the retroreflector, then the retroreflector is firmly mounted, but the overall assembly weight increases and stability decreases due to the tall profile being more susceptible to thermal effects, vibration, and shock
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector is segmented into three separate plates (first, second, and third plates) that are optically bonded together, allowing each plate to be independently mounted to the housing. This segmentation enables a distributed mounting strategy where mounting elements can be positioned at multiple locations, providing firm attachment without requiring a tall housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retroreflector plates are nested within a compact housing structure where the mounting elements extend from the housing to secure the plates. The nested arrangement allows the retroreflector assembly to be contained within a low-profile housing, minimizing the vertical height while maintaining secure mounting through internal structural support.
2Reliability
If a high aspect ratio design with a tall housing is used, then the retroreflector is securely mounted, but the assembly height increases reducing compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure transitions from a vertical extension (tall housing) to a horizontal integration approach. Mounting elements are positioned to extend from the housing and secure the retroreflector plates laterally, distributing the mounting function across multiple dimensions rather than relying on vertical height. This dimensional redistribution achieves stable mounting within a compact vertical profile.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the retroreflector assembly have specialized functions: the housing provides structural support and mounting attachment points, the mounting elements provide secure connection, and the retroreflector plates provide optical functionality. This local specialization allows each component to be optimized for its specific role, achieving stable mounting without requiring the entire assembly to be tall.
3Weight of moving object
If a compact low-profile design with height less than clear aperture is used, then weight and size are minimized, but mounting stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector plates are pre-assembled and optically bonded together as an integrated unit before mounting to the housing. This preliminary assembly creates a rigid, stable structure that maintains its integrity during mounting, allowing the compact low-profile design to achieve stable attachment without compromising structural rigidity. The pre-bonded plates act as a unified component that distributes mounting stresses effectively.
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 design achieves a compact, lightweight assembly that maintains stability and optical performance, even under thermal excursion, vibration, and shock, making it suitable for size-limited applications.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflector comprising three plates having optically flat reflective surfaces disposed at right angles to each other
Implementation Method 2
at least one mounting element extending from the retroreflector, wherein the mounting element at least partially secures the retroreflector to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An improved retroreflector assembly is provided. The retroreflector assembly has a retroreflector comprising three plates having optically flat reflective surfaces disposed at right angles to each other, wherein the retroreflector has a clear aperture distance, and an axis aligned equidistantly from the three plates and extending from a vertex of the retroreflector, a housing for receipt therein of the retroreflector, at least one mounting element extending from the retroreflector, wherein the mounting element at least partially secures the retroreflector to the housing, and a vertical height smaller in distance than the clear aperture distance in a direction parallel to the axis of the retroreflector, and a method for mounting the same.