Elastically deformed reflectors
US4243301A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 1979 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49938
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Spherically-shaped dish and cylindrically-shaped trough reflectors are produced by the deflection of a thin reflective element within its elastic range of stress. A spherical or cylindrical shape is produced by including a pure bending moment stress pattern in the reflective element. This is accomplished by clamping the edges of the reflective element to a rigid frame which is precisely dimensioned relative to the dimensions of the reflective element. Preferably, the surface of the frame which engages and supports the reflective element is tangent to the desired radius of curvature of the reflector. Close control of the dimensions insures that no compressive or tensile stresses are induced in the element by forces from the support surfaces, such forces tending to push the edges of the reflective element toward or away from each other.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.