Hinge mechanism for small optics and related methods

Abstract

A hinge assembly for a deployable mirror includes a base, a mirror segment base coupled to the base, a mirror segment coupled to the mirror segment base by two bearings, and at least one linear actuator secured to the base and capable of adjusting the mirror segment. Other embodiments of the hinge assembly are further disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hinge assembly for a deployable mirror, the hinge assembly comprising:
 a base;   a mirror segment base coupled to the base;   a mirror segment coupled to the mirror segment base by two bearings; and   at least one linear actuator secured to the base and capable of adjusting the mirror segment.   
     
     
         2 . The hinge assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising at least two flexures configured to couple the mirror segment base to the base. 
     
     
         3 . The hinge assembly of  claim 2 , wherein each flexure includes a first portion connected to the mirror segment base, a second portion connected to the base and a third portion connecting the first portion to the second portion. 
     
     
         4 . The hinge assembly of  claim 3 , wherein each flexure is fabricated from metal material. 
     
     
         5 . The hinge assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one linear actuator includes a first linear actuator secured to the base and capable of adjusting the mirror segment, and second and third linear actuators secured to the base and configured to move the mirror segment base. 
     
     
         6 . The hinge assembly of  claim 5 , wherein each of the first, second, and third linear actuators is an ultrahigh resolution micro linear actuator. 
     
     
         7 . The hinge assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each bearing is fabricated from ceramic material. 
     
     
         8 . The hinge assembly of  claim 7 , wherein each bearing has a maximum surface roughness of 0.5 Ra and a maximum deviation from spherical shape of 0.000003 inches. 
     
     
         9 . A hinge assembly for a deployable mirror, the hinge assembly comprising:
 a mirror segment base including a body having two inwardly facing first and second bearing seats formed therein;   a mirror segment including a outer, oppositely facing surfaces having outwardly facing third and fourth bearing seats formed therein; and   first and second bearings each fabricated from ceramic material having a maximum surface roughness of 0.5 Ra and a maximum deviation from spherical shape of 0.000003 inches,   wherein the first bearing is positioned between mating first and third bearing seats of the mirror segment base and the mirror segment, respectively, and the second bearing is positioned between mating second and fourth bearing seats of the mirror segment base and the mirror segment, respectively.   
     
     
         10 . The hinge assembly of  claim 9 , further comprising a base, the mirror segment base being coupled to the base. 
     
     
         11 . The hinge assembly of  claim 10 , further comprising a first linear actuator secured to the base and configured to adjust the mirror segment. 
     
     
         12 . The hinge assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising at least two flexures configured to couple the mirror segment base to the base. 
     
     
         13 . The hinge assembly of  claim 12 , wherein each flexure includes a first portion connected to the mirror segment base, a second portion connected to the base and a third portion connecting the first portion to the second portion. 
     
     
         14 . The hinge assembly of  claim 13 , wherein each flexure is fabricated from metal material. 
     
     
         15 . The hinge assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising second and third linear actuators secured to the base and configured to adjust the mirror segment base. 
     
     
         16 . The hinge assembly of  claim 15 , wherein each of the first, second, and third linear actuators is an ultrahigh resolution micro linear actuator. 
     
     
         17 . A hinge assembly for a deployable mirror, the hinge assembly comprising:
 a base;   a mirror segment base coupled to the base;   a mirror segment coupled to the mirror segment base by two bearings; and   means for adjusting the mirror segment.   
     
     
         18 . The hinge assembly of  claim 17 , further comprising a first linear actuator secured to the base, and at least two flexures configured to couple the mirror segment base to the base. 
     
     
         19 . The hinge assembly of  claim 18 , wherein each flexure includes a first portion connected to the mirror segment base, a second portion connected to the base and a third portion connecting the first portion to the second portion. 
     
     
         20 . The hinge assembly of  claim 18 , further comprising second and third linear actuators secured to the base and configured to adjust the mirror segment base.