Binocular Eyepiece Assembly with Beam Splitting Prism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional binocular telescopes are complex, heavy, and have poor optical effects due to the use of beam splitters, which are difficult to miniaturize and require precise positioning, leading to uncomfortable observation experiences and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A single-tube binocular eyepiece assembly with a beam splitting prism on the optical axis, featuring a first and second reflecting surface forming a right angle vertex, and an interpupillary distance adjustment apparatus, allowing for a simple and miniaturized optical path that splits the beam into two equal sub-beams for each eye, enabling comfortable observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a beam splitter is used to split the beam into two sub-beams, then the binocular telescope can provide observation for both eyes, but the device complexity increases and the volume cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam splitting function and the erecting function into a single beam splitting prism. The prism combines a beam splitting surface and two reflecting surfaces that form a V-shaped channel, integrating multiple optical functions into one component. This reduces the number of separate optical elements needed and simplifies the overall optical system structure while maintaining binocular observation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitting prism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it splits the incident beam into two sub-beams, erects the images through internal reflection, and directs the beams to the left and right eyepieces. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate beam splitters and erecting prisms, reducing device complexity and enabling miniaturization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a beam splitter with surface coating is used, then the beam can be split into two sub-beams, but the splitting ratio is unfavorable and the splitting quality depends on coating technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the coating-based beam splitting mechanism with a geometric optics approach using the V-shaped channel structure of the prism. The beam splitting is achieved through the physical geometry of the prism (the angles and surfaces) rather than relying on thin-film coating properties. This substitution makes the splitting ratio determined by precise geometric angles rather than coating thickness and refractive index variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter controlling beam splitting from coating thickness and refractive index to the geometric angles of the prism surfaces. By fixing the vertex angle and reflecting surface angles, the splitting ratio becomes a geometric parameter that is more stable and less sensitive to manufacturing variations in coating processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a beam splitter is used in the binocular telescope, then the beam can be split, but the position of the beam splitter needs to be corrected particularly and costs are higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the beam splitting function and the image erecting function into a single integrated beam splitting prism. This merger eliminates the need for separate beam splitter and erecting prism components, reducing the number of parts that need to be positioned and assembled. The integrated design simplifies the assembly process and reduces positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitting prism performs multiple functions (beam splitting, image erecting, and beam direction) in a single component. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of optical elements in the system, simplifying both the manufacturing process and the assembly procedure while lowering component costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a lightweight, simple optical path that allows for comfortable and complete image observation with both eyes, reducing the complexity and size of the telescope while improving optical efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the beam is transmitted to the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface of the beam splitting prism, the beam reflected by the first reflecting surface is defined as a first beam, the beam reflected by the second reflecting surface is defined as a second beam
Data Source
AI summary
A binocular eyepiece assembly for telescope, the assembly includes a casing, an optical lenses assembly, a beam splitter, a first reflecting mirror unit and a second reflecting mirror unit. The casing has a left ocular portion, a right ocular portion and a light receiving portion. The optical lenses assembly, the beam splitter, the first reflecting mirror unit and the second reflecting mirror unit are disposed inside the casing, and furthermore, the beam splitter is disposed on the light axis of the light axis. The beam splitter has a first reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface and an included angle. The included angle is disposed between the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface. The included angle is a right angle. A light beam is received via the light receiving portion, and the light beam will be transmitted to the optical lenses assembly and a beam splitter.