| 摘要 |
Strut joint assemblies which include built-in off-loading capability or mirror support systems allow a user to minimize the friction developed at the ball joint interface. Each strut joint assembly includes an upper ball joint and a lower ball joint. Each of the ball joints is sealed such that an internal compartment is created which can act essentially as an air spring. By raising the air pressure within these compartments, the load on the ball joint is reduced until the joint separates and air pressure alone carries the entire load. By adjusting the pressure to a value just below the separation pressure, the ball can still maintain contact with the ball socket and carry very little of the actual load. At this pressure, the frictional moment that can be generated by the joint is minimized and is, thus, greatly reduced from the frictional moment developed by a joint which is carrying the full gravity load of the mirror. The entire strut assembly may be translated using an adjusting screw at the lower end of the strut. Once adjustment of the mirror position is complete, the joint may be locked by injecting an epoxy adhesive into the cavity between the strut shank shoulder and the potting cup of the mount pad and allowed to cure. After the epoxy is cured, air pressure may be released.
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