Segmented Silicon Carbide Reflecting Mirror for Large Aperture Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical reflecting mirrors made from particle-dispersed silicon materials require longer processing times as they increase in size, leading to higher probabilities of breakage and increased costs due to defective products.
Innovation Solution
The optical device employs a reflecting mirror composed of multiple segments formed from a particle-dispersed silicon material, including silicon carbide and silicon, which are joined together using a reaction sintering process, reducing the weight and processing time of each segment and minimizing breakage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the size of the optical reflecting mirror is increased, then the mirror can cover larger optical areas, but the processing time increases and the probability of breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical reflecting mirror is divided into multiple segments that are joined together. Each segment can be processed independently and simultaneously, allowing parallel processing that significantly reduces total processing time while maintaining the capability to form large-area mirrors through assembly of multiple segments.
2Area of stationary object
If the size of the optical reflecting mirror is increased, then the mirror can cover larger optical areas, but the probability of breakage during processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the large mirror into multiple smaller segments, each segment has lower individual risk of breakage during processing. The segments can be manufactured separately with controlled dimensions that minimize breakage probability, and then assembled to form the complete large-area mirror.
3Productivity
If the processing time is shortened, then productivity increases, but the manufacturing precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each segment is processed independently for shorter durations, maintaining high manufacturing precision through focused processing. The segmented approach allows for precise control of each individual segment while the overall mirror assembly achieves high productivity through parallel processing of multiple segments.
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 approach significantly shortens the processing time, reduces the rate of defective products, and lowers the overall cost of the optical reflecting mirror while maintaining high yield and thermal stability, making it suitable for applications like telescopes.
Implementation Method 1
The segments are formed of a particle-dispersed silicon material including silicon carbide and silicon
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device has a reflecting mirror using a particle-dispersed silicon material including silicon carbide and silicon. The reflecting mirror includes a plurality of segments joined to each other by reaction sintering. Producing the segments is easy in comparison with that of a reflecting mirror of one piece. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce probability of breakage of the segments and to shorten process time of production of a reflecting mirror.