Wire like column spacers under a force in excess of Euler's column load

摘要

A spacer adapted for use in an optical system holds lenses in place within a housing. The spacer has a plurality of wire column elements which extend under critical column load between the edges of spaced-apart lens elements. The wires are preformed with a bend which directs any lateral deflection parallel to a surface of the housing and out of the light ray space of the lenses. The ends of the wires are received in holes formed in a pair of spaced-apart, arcuate end members which extend circumferentially along peripheral surfaces of the lenses. The outer surfaces of the end members are shaped to mate with corresponding abutting surfaces of the lenses.