Thermally Compensating Clamp Mount for Mixed-CTE Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current opto-mechanical assemblies face limitations in using materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs), leading to alignment issues and stress due to thermal variations, as there are limited suitable metal-glass combinations and intricate thermal compensation schemes are required to counteract dimensional changes with temperature.
Innovation Solution
A component mount system and methodology that includes a clamp with a compransion zone and an elastomeric interface, allowing for the secure fastening and alignment of optical and mechanical components with different CTEs by mimicking the thermal expansion of the support material, minimizing stress through channels and counter-channels that adjust with temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion are used in opto-mechanical assemblies, then material versatility and design flexibility are improved, but thermal stress and alignment errors increase due to dimensional changes with temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and dimensions of the clamp body through thermal expansion, allowing it to adapt its inner cavity dimensions to match the support structure's dimensions at different temperatures. This parameter change enables the clamp to maintain proper fit and alignment regardless of temperature variations, resolving the contradiction between material versatility and alignment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body acts as an intermediary element between the support structure and the component. Its ability to expand and contract thermally allows it to mediate the dimensional differences between materials with different CTEs, absorbing thermal stress while maintaining secure connection and alignment
2Manufacturing precision
If intricate thermal compensation schemes are used to counteract dimensional changes, then alignment precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body performs thermal compensation automatically through its own thermal expansion and contraction properties. No external control systems, active compensation mechanisms, or complex adjustment devices are needed - the clamp self-regulates its dimensions in response to temperature changes, maintaining alignment precision while keeping the device simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly utilizes the thermal expansion property of the clamp body material to counteract dimensional changes in the support structure. By selecting a clamp material with appropriate CTE characteristics, the system achieves automatic thermal compensation through passive expansion and contraction, avoiding complex active compensation schemes
3Strength
If rigid clamping structures are used to securely fasten components, then mechanical strength is improved, but stress concentration and alignment errors increase under thermal variation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp body transitions from a static, fixed-dimension structure to a dynamic one that actively adapts its dimensions through thermal expansion and contraction. This dynamic behavior allows the clamp to maintain optimal contact pressure and fit under varying temperature conditions, preserving mechanical strength while reducing thermal stress concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The inner cavity dimensions of the clamp body are allowed to change with temperature through material expansion. This parameter change enables the clamp to maintain proper dimensional relationships with the support structure and component across temperature ranges, preserving secure fastening while minimizing stress
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 system effectively maintains alignment and precision of optical and mechanical components under varying temperatures, eliminating the need for intricate thermal compensation and allowing for a wider variety of materials to be used, thereby reducing the risk of components going out of alignment or becoming loose due to thermal expansion or contraction.
Implementation Method 1
A width of the compransion zone is kept substantially equal to a width of the recess under varying temperature conditions to minimize or eliminate any stress to the support caused by thermal expansion or contraction of the clamp
Implementation Method 2
The interface can include an elastomer. The elastomer can include a thin polymer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for connecting one or more parts having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The apparatus includes a clamp configured to attach to a support, wherein the clamp includes a first arm member having a first contact surface, a second arm member having a second contact surface, a recess formed by the first arm member and the second arm member, and a third arm member positioned perpendicular to at least one of the first arm member and the second arm member, the third arm member having a compransion zone. The apparatus also includes a base configured to hold a component, the base comprising a body that holds the component in a fixed position, and an interface configured to engage or attach to at least one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface. A width of the compransion zone is kept substantially equal to a width of the recess under varying temperature conditions to minimize or eliminate any stress to the support caused by thermal expansion or contraction of the clamp.