Mirror Support Mechanism With Elastic Rods for Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large telescopes face deformation issues due to their own weight, leading to complex structures and increased weight in conventional mirror support mechanisms, particularly when using bipods or inverted bipods, which complicates the system and increases weight.
Innovation Solution
A mirror support mechanism with a first pad and a second pad fixed to the mirror, connected by an arm with elastic bodies, and rods inclined to intersect at the mirror's center of gravity, distributing load evenly and reducing rigid movement through a whiffletree structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If auxiliary mechanisms are added to support axial and lateral directions, then mirror deformation due to own weight is suppressed, but structure becomes complicated and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror support mechanism is divided into multiple independent support points (first support point, second support point, third support point) that are distributed around the mirror. Each support point has its own elastic body and positioning mechanism, allowing the system to suppress mirror deformation through distributed support rather than a single complex auxiliary mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mirror are provided with different support characteristics. The elastic bodies at each support point can independently adjust to local requirements, with the first, second, and third support points having different spatial positions and orientations to address specific deformation patterns in different areas of the mirror.
2Stability of the object's composition
If auxiliary mechanisms are added to support axial and lateral directions, then mirror deformation due to own weight is suppressed, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism uses multiple lightweight support points distributed around the mirror rather than heavy auxiliary structures. By segmenting the support function across three separate points with elastic bodies, the total weight is reduced compared to conventional auxiliary mechanisms while maintaining deformation suppression capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bodies change their physical parameters (elastic deformation) to adapt to the mirror's weight and position requirements. This allows the support mechanism to suppress deformation through elastic compliance rather than rigid auxiliary structures, reducing overall weight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If elastic bodies are used to restrain lateral direction, then lateral support is provided, but structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic bodies serve dual functions: they provide lateral restraint and simultaneously enable positioning in the axial direction. By merging these functions into a single component, the structure remains simple while achieving both lateral support and axial positioning without requiring separate auxiliary mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic bodies are designed to perform multiple functions: lateral direction restraint, axial direction positioning, and deformation compensation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, keeping the overall structure simple while providing comprehensive support.
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 effectively supports mirrors by minimizing rigid movement and maintaining mirror surface accuracy, reducing structural complexity and weight while ensuring stable support for both primary and secondary mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
a first-pad elastic body formed between the arm and the first pad; a second-pad elastic body formed between the arm and the second pad; a first-rod elastic body that is an elastic body constituting the first rod; a second-rod elastic body that is an elastic body constituting the second rod
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror support includes a first rod in which one end is connected to an arm at a position closer to a side of a first pad fixed to the mirror with respect to a second pad fixed to the mirror while the other end stretched and inclined onto the side of first pad from the position connected is connected to a support structure; a first-rod elastic body that is an elastic body constituting the first rod; a second rod in which one end is connected to arm at a position closer to a side of second pad with respect to first pad while the other end stretched and inclined onto the side of second pad from the position connected is connected to the support structure; and a second-rod elastic body that is an elastic body constituting the second rod.