Mirror Support Mechanism Thermal Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mirror support mechanisms for optical devices, such as those used in telescopes, face issues with deformation due to tensile or compressive forces generated in the beam portions, which can cause deviations in the optical axis and focal position due to temperature changes, and require complex structures to manage thermal expansion differences between the mirror and the support mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A mirror support mechanism comprising three first supporting members and three second supporting members, with a hexagonal outer shape, where each first supporting member has a mirror supporting portion and two beam portions, and the second supporting members have connecting portions to a structure member on the rear side of the reflecting mirror, allowing for reduced deformation by absorbing thermal expansion differences through flexible plate springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple mirror support mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but deformation caused by thermal expansion differences between the mirror and support structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into multiple independent supporting members (first and second supporting members) arranged radially around the optical axis. Each supporting member independently supports a portion of the mirror weight and can accommodate thermal expansion differences locally, preventing cumulative deformation while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support mechanism have different structural characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The first supporting members have different structural characteristics from the second supporting members, allowing each to be optimized for its specific role in supporting the mirror while accommodating thermal expansion differences
2Strength
If beam portions are made rigid to reduce deformation, then structural strength is improved, but tensile and compressive forces increase causing optical axis deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting members are designed with flexible characteristics that allow them to dynamically adjust to thermal expansion and contraction. The members can bend and deform elastically in response to temperature changes, absorbing tensile and compressive forces without transmitting them to the mirror, thereby maintaining optical axis stability while providing sufficient structural strength
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
This configuration effectively reduces deformation caused by thermal expansion, maintaining the optical axis and focal position stability while simplifying the structural complexity, thereby enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the optical device.
Implementation Method 1
the supporting member includes beam portions connected to both sides of the mirror supporting portion... deformation caused by a tensile force or a compressive force generated in the beam portion
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror support mechanism includes three first supporting members and three second supporting members. Each first supporting member includes a mirror supporting portion that is in contact with and support a corresponding one of three supported surfaces provided on the supported portion with rotational symmetry of 120 degrees around an optical axis, and two first beam portions connected to both sides of the mirror supporting portion. Each second supporting member includes a supporting portion to which ends of two first beam portions adjacent to each other are connected, the ends being not connected to the mirror supporting portion, and two second beam portions connected to both sides of the supporting portion, an end of the second beam portion not connected to the supporting portion being supported by a structure member provided on the rear side of the reflecting mirror.