Optical Mount Force Balancing for Low Wavefront Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical mounts compromise the specifications of high-performance optical elements by exerting forces that degrade their optical performance, particularly in maintaining flatness and polarization properties, and are not adaptable for different sized optics due to unbalanced and non-adjustable spring forces.
Innovation Solution
An optical mount design that applies a quantified and adjustable set of forces with controlled locations to minimize distortion, using a combination of restraining and force application elements like wave springs and retaining mechanisms to ensure stability and access to the optic's surface, allowing for precise adjustment and environmental stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional optical mounts use spring-loaded fingers or set screws to clamp the optic, then the optic is securely held in place, but the optic's flatness and polarization properties are degraded due to unbalanced forces and stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force is divided into multiple discrete contact points (at least three) distributed around the optic's perimeter, with each contact point applying force through a separate flexible element. This segmentation distributes the clamping load to minimize localized stress and distortion of the optic's optical surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Each contact point is equipped with a flexible element (such as a wave spring) that provides localized compliance, allowing the mount to adapt to slight variations in optic thickness and surface irregularities while maintaining uniform clamping pressure across all contact points, thereby preserving optic flatness.
2Ease of operation
If individual spring-loaded fingers are used to clamp the optic, then adjustment is possible, but the device becomes complex and difficult to adjust without creating unexpected forces and stresses
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flexible elements are combined into a single integrated clamping mechanism where a single adjustment element (such as a threaded rod or knurled ring) simultaneously controls the clamping force applied at all contact points. This merging simplifies the adjustment process and ensures balanced forces are applied uniformly across all contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elements serve multiple functions: they provide compliance to accommodate optic variations, distribute clamping forces uniformly, and enable simple single-point adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate adjustment mechanisms needed while maintaining ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If existing optical mounts are designed for specific optic sizes, then they provide stable mounting, but they are not adaptable for different sized optics
Solution Approach 1:
The mount incorporates flexible elements that can dynamically adapt their configuration to accommodate optics of varying sizes and thicknesses. The flexible elements bend and deform to match the specific optic dimensions while maintaining proper clamping force, allowing a single mount design to securely hold multiple optic sizes without sacrificing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount design allows adjustment of critical parameters such as contact point positions, clamping force magnitude, and flexible element deflection to accommodate different optic sizes. By making these parameters adjustable, the mount maintains optimal performance across a range of optic dimensions while preserving mounting stability.
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 optical mount maintains low optical distortion and stability across a range of conditions, ensuring high performance in optical systems by minimizing distorting forces while providing sufficient clamping, and is adaptable for various optical devices through accessory parts and adjustable features.
Implementation Method 1
a first wave spring keyed so that it contacts a second surface of the optic along a circumference of the optic adjacent to the same point along a perimeter of the optic as the first restraining element contacts the first surface of the optic
Data Source
AI summary
An optical mount is disclosed having at least one restraining element for an optic having at least one contact point with a first surface of the optic and at least one force element having at least one contact point with a second surface of the optic, wherein each contact point on the first surface of the optic has a corresponding contact point on the second surface of the optic.