Telescope Mirror Mounting With Adhesive Pins and Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature variations cause differential expansions in telescope components with different thermal properties, leading to mechanical stresses and deformations, which affect the quality and performance of telescopes, especially those used in observation and aiming systems.
Innovation Solution
A telescope design featuring a fastener plate with primary and secondary mirrors connected using fastener elements and a support system with mechanical decoupling means, such as spring blades, to minimize stress and deformation, including the use of structural adhesives and carefully designed arms to distribute forces and limit vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If components with different thermal properties are used in the telescope, then the telescope can achieve functional requirements, but temperature variations cause differential expansions leading to mechanical stresses and deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials with specific thermal properties for different components. The primary mirror is made of a material with a first thermal expansion coefficient, while the secondary mirror has a second thermal expansion coefficient, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific functional requirements while managing differential expansion through careful material selection and structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly addresses thermal expansion by acknowledging and managing differential expansions between components. The support structure is designed to accommodate these expansions, and the fastening mechanism allows for thermal movement while maintaining optical alignment, thereby converting the thermal expansion problem into a manageable design consideration
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fastening is used to secure mirrors, then structural stability is improved, but mechanical stresses on mirrors increase causing deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using an elastic support structure that can dynamically adjust to thermal and mechanical variations. The support includes elastic elements that allow the mirrors to move slightly in response to temperature changes, preventing stress accumulation while maintaining optical alignment, thus converting a static rigid connection into a dynamic adaptive system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by incorporating elastic elements with specific mechanical properties that change under thermal and mechanical loads. The elastic modulus and geometry of the support elements are designed to provide sufficient stiffness for structural stability while allowing enough compliance to accommodate thermal expansion and prevent mirror deformation
3Reliability
If mechanical decoupling means are added to reduce vibration transmission, then mirror performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing elastic elements as mediators between the mirror supports and the main structure. These elastic elements act as vibration isolators that decouple mechanical vibrations from the mirror assembly, protecting the optical components from vibration-induced errors while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible elastic elements that can be implemented as thin films or shell-like structures. These flexible components provide vibration isolation and mechanical decoupling while adding minimal complexity to the overall structure, as they can be integrated into existing support geometries without requiring completely new structural designs
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 limits differential expansions and reduces stress on the mirrors, improving the performance and accuracy of telescopes by minimizing deformation and vibration transmission, particularly in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The third segment is received in the bearing as a sliding fit and is adhesively bonded in the bearing by means of a structural adhesive
Implementation Method 2
the support includes mechanical decoupling means for decoupling the secondary mirror relative to the primary mirror, and, preferably, the secondary sleeve comprises an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve coaxial with the outer sleeve and connected thereto by symmetrically distributed mechanical decoupling elements
Data Source
AI summary
A telescope including a fastener plate, a primary mirror carried by a front face of the plate, and a secondary mirror held facing the primary mirror by a support. The primary mirror is connected to the plate by fastener elements each having a bearing receiving a pin as a sliding fit, the pin being adhesively bonded in the bearing by means of a structural adhesive; and in that the pin is provided with a central channel having a first end opening out into a portion of the pin that is accessible when the pin is in position in the holes in order to receive one end of a cannula for injecting adhesive, and a second end opening out at least into a transverse channel having at least one end opening out into the bearing.