2D Actuator Spherical Mirror 3D Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibration and testing of sensors and detectors in three-dimensional spaces are challenging due to difficulties in accurately representing sources of information, often requiring complex three-dimensional actuators which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of a two-dimensional actuator arrangement that navigates within a plane, utilizing linkages and mechanical elements to translate movement into three-dimensional positions on a spherical cap, allowing for simpler and more precise calibration of devices without the need for complex three-dimensional actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If three-dimensional actuators are used for sensor calibration, then positioning accuracy in three-dimensional space is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by using a two-dimensional actuator arrangement that moves within a plane, combined with a spherical mirror to reflect signals between the sensor and a target. This 2D actuator system achieves 3D positioning capability through the geometric relationship between the planar movement and the spherical reflection surface, eliminating the need for complex three-dimensional actuators while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex three-dimensional actuators are used, then three-dimensional positioning capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the operational complexity by reducing the actuator movement to two dimensions within a plane. The spherical mirror geometry automatically provides the third dimension through reflection, allowing operators to control the system using simpler 2D actuator commands while achieving full 3D positioning capability.
3Device complexity
If two-dimensional actuators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but three-dimensional positioning capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical mirror acts as an intermediary element that transforms the two-dimensional actuator movement into three-dimensional positioning capability. The mirror's curved surface geometry converts planar displacement into angular changes that position the signal path in three-dimensional space, enabling the simple 2D actuator to achieve 3D positioning through the mediating optical element.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the spherical mirror to add a dimensional transformation, where two-dimensional linear movement of the actuator is converted into three-dimensional angular positioning through the reflection geometry. This allows the actuator to have fewer degrees of freedom while the system as a whole achieves three-dimensional capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a base. The base includes a first mount configured to receive a first device. First and second guides overlap each other, are each pivotally coupled with the base, and each include an arcuate body. The chassis is received by the first guide and the second guide so as to be configured for sliding along the first guide and the second guide. The chassis includes a second mount for receiving a second device for movement of the second device between a first set of points defining a reference spherical cap relative to the base. A member may be provided between the chassis and an actuator operable to move among a set of points defining a reference plane so as to cause movement of the chassis among another set of points defining a reference spherical cap about the first mount for the first device.