Articulating Bridge System for Panoramic Night Vision Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panoramic night vision systems are cumbersome and lack ergonomic design, making them difficult to use and store, especially in military or law enforcement applications where quick and stable operation is critical.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an articulating bridge system with independent rotation and improved stowability, allowing for separate rotation and stowage of panoramic subassemblies, which enhances user experience and system usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If panoramic night vision systems are designed with fixed rigid structures, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation and stowability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The panoramic night vision system is divided into separate rotatable subassemblies (first and second subassemblies) that can be independently rotated and stowed. This segmentation allows each subassembly to be manipulated separately, improving ease of operation while maintaining overall structural stability through the bridge connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates rotatable joints that enable dynamic movement of subassemblies between operational and stowed positions. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt between stable fixed positions during use and compact stowed positions for storage, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If panoramic night vision systems use single unified structure, then device complexity is reduced, but stowability and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular subassemblies connected by a bridge, where each subassembly can be independently rotated and stowed. This modular segmentation improves stowability and ergonomics while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The subassemblies are arranged in a panoramic configuration that utilizes lateral rotation around the user's field of view, adding a dimensional aspect to stowability that improves ergonomics without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If panoramic night vision systems are made lightweight, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable joints provide dynamic stability through controlled movement mechanisms that maintain structural integrity during operation. This allows the system to be lightweight while preserving stability through intelligent mechanical design rather than excessive mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge and subassembly structures likely utilize composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the system to maintain structural stability while minimizing weight for improved ease of operation and reduced fatigue.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a panoramic night vision system having an articulating bridge system having two independently rotatable hinges and tube subassemblies that rotate to bring the sides of the subassemblies towards the center of the panoramic night vision system and above the users eyes for protection of the subassemblies and increased user experience. Implementing the articulating bridge system permits independent actuation of panoramic subassemblies and provides three stowed positions.