Bypass Optical Switch Field-of-View Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical imaging systems face challenges in seamlessly switching between narrow and wide fields-of-view without moving parts, which affects resolution and efficiency in detection and discrimination tasks.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a field-of-view switch assembly that includes a mount with first and second diverter mirrors, and a dynamic shutter, allowing for the redirection of light rays from a single window between two optical paths, enabling seamless switching between narrow and wide fields-of-view without the need for moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If moving parts such as mounts, laterally movable lenses, or field-of-view switch are used to switch between fields-of-view, then field-of-view switching capability is achieved, but device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical field-of-view switching components (mounts, movable lenses, field-of-view switches) with a purely optical solution using a fixed mirror array and variable aperture mask. The mirror array reflects light from different fields-of-view to a common detector without mechanical movement, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path by using a mirror array with multiple reflective elements, each corresponding to a different field-of-view. The aperture mask is divided into multiple openings, each aligned with a specific mirror element. This segmentation allows independent control of each field-of-view through the fixed optical structure, avoiding mechanical movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If field-of-view switching is implemented with moving parts, then switching functionality is achieved, but switching duration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical switching components with a fixed optical system, the patent eliminates mechanical movement time. The field-of-view switching is achieved through static optical paths defined by the mirror array geometry and aperture mask positioning, resulting in instantaneous switching without mechanical inertia or acceleration constraints.
3Volume of moving object
If a single window is used for both narrow and wide fields-of-view, then device compactness is improved, but optical path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path within the single window by using a mirror array with multiple reflective elements positioned at specific locations. Each mirror element receives light from a different field-of-view and redirects it through the common aperture mask to the detector. This segmentation allows multiple optical paths to coexist within a compact single-window structure without increasing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves optical path complexity by utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the mirror array elements. The mirrors are positioned at different angles and locations, creating distinct optical paths that converge through the single window. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple fields-of-view to be separated and routed through a compact aperture, maintaining compactness while managing optical path complexity.
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
Facilitates efficient switching between fields-of-view through a single window, maintaining high resolution imaging and minimizing switching duration times, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
redirecting light rays from the second field-of-view via the first and second diverter mirrors through a second optical path to the detector, such that the light rays through the second optical path through the single window are directly incident on and reflected by the second diverter mirror, and then directly incident on the first diverter mirror, and then reflected from the first diverter mirror directly to the detector
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An optical system (100) comprising an optical assembly that reflects and refracts light rays through a single window (104) about an optical path to a detector (128). A field-of-view switch assembly (102) comprises a mount, having a pair of diverter mirrors (134a, b), movably coupled to the optical assembly (102) and being selectively movable between a non-bypass position and a bypass position. The diverter mirrors (134a, b) bypass a first field-of-view and translate a second field-of-view (both through the single window) when moved from the non-bypass position to the bypass position to redirect the optical path. The diverter mirrors straddle the optical path in the non- bypass position. A dynamic shutter shields the second diverter mirror (134b) and exposes the second diverter mirror (134b) when moved between non-bypass and bypass positions. A linkage mechanism rotates the mount with an on-board motor and a torsional shaft to absorb impact forces.