Spatially efficient kinematic mirror mount
US8591048B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B7/1825
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A spatially efficient kinematic mirror mount for mounting a mirror or other optical element to a housing. The kinematic mirror mount may include three spaced-apart constraint structures, positioned at or near the outer perimeter or circumference of the mirror. The constraint structures constrain the mirror to lie within a plane, typically the x-y plane defined by the orientation of the housing, substantially without overconstraining the mirror. To accomplish this, each of the three constraint structures may constrain the mirror in the x-y plane by independently providing a tangential constraint to the mirror. The constraint structures may include a tab, coupled to the mirror by a flexure, and a fastening assembly for securing the tab to the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.