Optical Mirror Waffle Structure for Thermal Strain Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical mirrors in satellites experience thermal strain due to uneven heat distribution, leading to image blurring or distortion, as existing methods using heat conduction members or temperature control systems fail to prevent local deformation due to mismatched thermal expansion coefficients.
Innovation Solution
An optical mirror with a waffle structure on its backside, made of the same material as the mirror body, incorporating heat generation parts to uniformly distribute heat and minimize thermal strain, using carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composite material for high strength and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat conduction member is connected between the mirror and optical mount to conduct heat away, then the overall temperature distribution is improved, but thermal strain is generated at the connection interface due to mismatched thermal expansion coefficients, causing local deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The waffle structure is made from the same material as the mirror body, ensuring homogeneous material properties throughout. This eliminates thermal expansion coefficient mismatches at interfaces, preventing thermal strain and local deformation while still achieving heat conduction to control temperature distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The waffle structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides mechanical support for the mirror, conducts heat away from the mirror, and maintains dimensional stability. By combining these functions in one homogeneous structure, the patent avoids interface problems between different materials.
2Temperature
If a hot wire heater is adhered to the mirror backside for temperature control, then the temperature distribution can be adjusted, but thermal strain is generated at the adhesion interface due to different thermal expansion coefficients, causing local deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The waffle structure uses the same material as the mirror body, creating a homogeneous assembly that eliminates thermal expansion mismatches. This allows temperature control without generating thermal strain at interfaces, preserving local deformation control.
3Manufacturing precision
If the mirror is made from a material with zero thermal expansion coefficient, then thermal strain is eliminated, but the mechanical strength and structural stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal expansion parameter by using a material with near-zero thermal expansion coefficient (such as Invar or similar alloys). This parameter change allows the mirror to maintain both high mechanical strength and resistance to thermal strain, as the material inherently resists thermal expansion while providing structural 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 suppresses local thermal strain, maintaining optical characteristics by ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the mirror surface, thereby preventing image distortion and blurring.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the partition walls includes a heat generation part
Implementation Method 2
the waffle structure comprising partition walls... heat generated from a mirror surface of the mirror is promptly conducted to the optical mount through the heat conduction member
Implementation Method 3
When the optical mirror is made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion which is not zero, thermal strain is caused to the optical mirror due to the change in input and output of heat
Data Source
AI summary
An optical mirror comprising: a mirror body having a reflective surface; a waffle structure that is connected to a surface opposite to the reflective surface of the mirror body, the waffle structure comprising partition walls, wherein at least one of the partition walls includes a heat generation part; and a power supply part configured to supply power to the heat generation part, wherein the partition walls and the mirror body are made of a same material.