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US 10,241,321 B1Granted
Monolithic adaptive optical/RF reflector
AssigneeSciperio, Inc
InventorsKenneth H. Church, Paul Deffenbaugh, Josh Goldfarb, Charles Michael Newton, Michael W. Owens, Will Stone, Casey Perkowski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A reflector assembly includes a monolithic and adaptive reflector having a single and continuous reflecting surface and a focusing shape. The reflector assembly further includes a plurality of trusses for supporting the monolithic and adaptive reflector and a plurality of actuators, each of the plurality of actuators operatively connected to one of the plurality of trusses. Actuation of each of the plurality of actuators exerts a force which flexes at least a portion of the continuous reflecting surface.
Claims17
A reflector assembly comprising:
- a monolithic and adaptive reflector having a single and continuous reflecting surface and a focusing shape and having an opposite surface;
- a plurality of trusses arranged to support the monolithic and adaptive reflector and attached directly to the opposite surface thereof;
- a plurality of actuators, each of the plurality of actuators attached to one of the plurality of trusses, each of the actuators including a motor;
- wherein actuation of each of the plurality of actuators exerts a force which moves a corresponding one of the plurality of trusses and thereby flexes at least a portion of the continuous reflecting surface with the force exerted on a corresponding one of the plurality of trusses;
- a controller electrically connected to the plurality of actuators and configured to control the plurality of actuators;
- and
- a temperature sensor operatively coupled to the controller and inputting temperature data to the controller so the monolithic and adaptive reflector stays in tolerance through changing temperature.
4 more elements
A method of manufacturing a reflector assembly, the method comprising:
- providing a reflector with a continuous reflecting surface and a focusing shape and a plurality of trusses arranged to support the reflector;
- coating the reflecting surface with a reflective coating;
- attaching a plurality of actuators to the plurality of trusses so actuation of one or more of the plurality of actuators exerts a force on the plurality of trusses and the force on the plurality of trusses flexes at least a portion of the continuous reflecting surface;
- and
- operatively connecting a controller system to the plurality of actuators, the control system configured to control the plurality of actuators;
- operatively connecting a temperature sensor to the controller system to allow for temperature inputs to the controller system so the reflector stays in tolerance though changing temperature;
- and
- operatively connecting a humidity sensor to the controller system to allow for humidity inputs to the controller system so the reflector stays in tolerance though changing humidity.
5 more elements
A reflector assembly comprising:
- a monolithic and adaptive reflector having a single and continuous reflecting surface and a focusing shape;
- a plurality of trusses arranged to provide a supporting structure for the monolithic and adaptive reflector and operatively connected thereto;
- a plurality of motors, each of the plurality of motors attached to one of the plurality of trusses;
- wherein actuation of each of the plurality of motors exerts a force which moves a corresponding one of the plurality of trusses and thereby flexes at least a portion of the continuous reflecting surface so a first of the plurality of motors moves a first of the plurality of trusses and a corresponding first area of the continuous reflecting surface, a second of the plurality of motors moves a second of the plurality of trusses and a corresponding second area of the continuous reflecting surface, and a third of the plurality of motors moves a third of the plurality of trusses and a corresponding third area of the continuous reflecting surface;
- a controller operatively connected to each of the plurality of motors;
- a plurality of temperature and humidity sensors operatively connected to the controller, each of the temperature and humidity sensors associated with one of the first area of the continuous reflecting surface, the second area of the continuous reflecting surface, and the third area of the continuous reflecting surface wherein the controller is configured to control the plurality of motors so the reflector stays in tolerance through changing temperature and humidity;
- and
- a plurality of optical sensors operatively coupled to the controller to scan distance, shape, or optical fringes utilizing interferometric approaches wherein the controller is configured to control the plurality of motors so the reflector stays in tolerance through optically sensed changes.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.