Integrated Mount Control Unit for Astrophotography Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current astrophotography apparatuses are cumbersome and inconvenient due to the need for external power sources, multiple cables, and complex assembly, which leads to transportation difficulties and potential equipment damage from tangled cables during use.
Innovation Solution
An integrated astrophotography apparatus with a universal structural assembly element that houses a control and command unit, allowing for simplified connections and miniaturization, enabling complete control without external devices, and featuring a built-in power source and wireless connectivity for remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If external power batteries are used to guarantee long functioning periods, then the power capacity is sufficient, but the size and weight become extremely large making transport difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power source directly into the mount structure, combining previously separate components (mount and external battery) into a unified system. This merging eliminates the need for bulky external batteries while providing sufficient power for long-duration astrophotography sessions, as the integrated design optimizes power delivery without requiring excessive capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the structural support for the telescope and as the housing for the integrated power source. This universal design allows the same component to fulfill multiple roles (mechanical support and power provision), eliminating the need for separate external batteries and reducing overall system weight and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external devices and cables are used for power and control, then complete control and power are provided, but the transport and management become inconvenient and cables can get tangled or detached
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is integrated directly into the mount structure, merging previously separate control devices and cables into the main apparatus. This integration eliminates the need for multiple external control devices and tangled cables, while maintaining complete control capability over the telescope and imaging equipment through the unified control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for external power batteries and control devices by incorporating their functions directly into the mount. This extraction removes the problematic external elements (bulky batteries, multiple cables) while preserving and maintaining all necessary control and power functions through the integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a personal computer is used for data management and control, then complete control and data processing are achieved, but additional power sources and cables are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit integrated into the mount incorporates data processing and management capabilities previously requiring a separate personal computer. This merging of functions allows complete control and data processing to be achieved through the mount's integrated system, eliminating the need for external PCs and their associated power and connection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for external personal computers by incorporating all necessary control and data processing functions directly into the mount's integrated control unit, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining full functionality.
4Measurement precision
If telescopes are moved continuously by mounts for tracking, then astral points are followed accurately, but cables can get tangled or detached causing incorrect functioning or data loss
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the power source and control unit directly into the mount structure, the patent eliminates the need for external cables that could become tangled or detached during telescope tracking. The merged design ensures reliable power and control connections are maintained throughout continuous movement, while preserving accurate tracking of astral points.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Apparatus for astrophotography (10) comprising at least an acquisition device (14) configured to acquire astrophotographs, a support element (16), a movement device (18) configured to move the acquisition device (14), and a control and command unit (33), wherein it comprises at least one structural assembly element (30) configured to accommodate said control and command unit (33) inside it and to connect the latter with at least one of either said acquisition device (14) or said movement device (18) and wherein said control and command unit (33) is chosen from a group consisting of an electronic board, an integrated device, a mini computer or suchlike to command the functioning the acquisition device (14) and at least of the movement device (18) and /or a guide device (20).