Thermal Compensating Optical Component Mount
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical component mounts are susceptible to position and orientation changes due to temperature gradients or ambient temperature variations, affecting the performance of sensitive laser systems.
Innovation Solution
A thermal compensating optical component mount design that incorporates thermal compensating positioning inserts and engaging bodies with specific coefficients of thermal expansion, coupled with a biasing system, to minimize position changes during temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical component mounts are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the position and orientation of optics change due to temperature gradients or ambient temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting materials with specific coefficients of thermal expansion. The positioning insert is made from a material whose coefficient of thermal expansion is matched to the adjustment member, while the engaging body uses a material with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion. This material parameter selection enables thermal compensation that maintains position stability during temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple materials with different thermal expansion properties in a single mount structure. The assembly includes the adjustment member, positioning insert, and engaging body made from different materials, creating a composite structure that compensates for thermal effects while maintaining structural integrity and positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If thermal compensating components are added to the mount, then position stability during temperature changes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mount into distinct functional components: the adjustment member for positioning, the positioning insert for thermal compensation, and the engaging body for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing temperature stability. The modular design also facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly despite the increased component count.
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 design effectively reduces unwanted movement of optical components, maintaining precise positioning and orientation despite temperature changes, thereby enhancing the stability and performance of optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
The coefficient of thermal expansion of the thermal compensating positioning insert is configured to be equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the adjustment member. The engaging body has a coefficient of thermal expansion less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the thermal compensating positioning insert and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the adjustment member.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel optical component mount is disclosed, which includes at least one first mount body with at least one adjustment member traversing through at least one adjustment member passage formed in the first mount body. At least one second mount body is configured with at least one component aperture formed therein and at least one insert receiver formed therein. The insert receiver is configured to receive at least one thermal compensating positioning insert positioned in the insert receiver. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the thermal compensating positioning insert is configured to be equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the adjustment member. At least one engaging body is positioned in the thermal compensating insert and engages the adjustment member. The engaging body is configured having a coefficient of thermal expansion less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the thermal compensating positioning insert and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the adjustment member. At least one biasing system movably couples the second mount body to the first mount body. During use, the combinations of the coefficients of thermal expansion of the components described above, result in minimal changes in position of the optical component mount during changes in ambient temperature.