Optical Mount Assembly for Stress-Stable Retroreflector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for optical structures, particularly hollow retroreflectors, fail to maintain the mutual perpendicularity and optical flatness of reflective surfaces under external stresses, leading to beam deviation and distortion of light rays due to thermal expansion, adhesive curing, and panel mass.
Innovation Solution
A mount assembly that secures the retroreflector with a mounting post and screws, ensuring minimal external stresses by maintaining the dimensional stability and optical path difference, using materials like glass or fused quartz, and allowing for easy and secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid mounting methods are used to securely retain the retroreflector, then mounting strength is improved, but external stresses increase causing distortion to the reflective surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional elements: a mounting plate for structural support, a retroreflector holder for positioning, and adjustable mounting screws for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without transmitting excessive stress to the optical surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting screws are designed with adjustable parameters, allowing the mounting pressure and positioning to be optimized. By changing the mounting parameters (screw tightness, positioning adjustments), the system achieves secure retention while maintaining optical flatness within acceptable tolerances.
2Manufacturing precision
If flexible mounting materials are used to reduce external stresses, then optical flatness is improved, but dimensional stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate and holder are constructed from homogeneous, rigid materials (such as aluminum or steel) that provide consistent dimensional stability. This uniform rigid structure ensures that the mounting system maintains its shape and position under varying environmental conditions, while the adjustable screws allow for stress distribution.
3Strength
If the retroreflector is tightly secured to the mount, then mounting strength is improved, but perpendicularity of reflective surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable elements that allow for dynamic positioning and alignment of the retroreflector. The mounting screws can be adjusted to fine-tune the position of the retroreflector holder, enabling perpendicularity to be maintained even as mounting pressure is applied to secure the component.
4Adaptability or versatility
If environmental conditions change, then thermal expansion and contraction occur, but perpendicularity and optical flatness are maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector holder acts as an intermediary between the mounting plate and the retroreflector. This intermediate component absorbs and distributes thermal expansion and contraction forces, protecting the precise perpendicularity of the reflective surfaces from environmental temperature changes while maintaining secure mounting.
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 assembly maintains the perpendicularity and optical flatness of reflective surfaces, reducing beam deviation and ensuring precise light ray alignment, even under environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
thermal expansion or contraction of the substrate material from which the panels are made
Implementation Method 2
deflection caused by curing of the adhesives used to join elements together
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved mount assembly for an optical structure, is provided. The mount assembly for the optical structure, comprising an optical structure comprising at least one mirror panel, the mirror panel comprising a reflective surface, a back surface substantially opposite the reflective surface and at least one side surface extending between the reflective and back surfaces, at least one mounting member extending from the optical structure, a housing for receipt therein of at least a portion of the optical structure and all of the mounting member extending from the optical structure, the housing having at least one opening therethrough, and at least one screw received and tightened within the at least one opening such that a first end of the screw presses against and at least partially secures the mounting member within the housing. A method for assembling the same is also provided.