Celestial Body Observation Instrument with Dynamic Scanning Axis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for observing celestial bodies are hindered by the slow movement of celestial body images due to Earth's rotation, leading to unsatisfactory recording quality and prolonged observation times.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement comprising an observation instrument with a compensation device and scanning axis, allowing for independent movement of the celestial body image relative to the observation instrument, enabling faster and more precise scanning of the celestial body image across the observation instrument, regardless of Earth's rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the natural movement of the celestial body image due to Earth's rotation is utilized, then the observation instrument remains stationary and simple, but the scanning speed is slow and observation time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation instrument structureVSAvoidscanning speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable component (mirror or entrance slit) that can be dynamically adjusted to change the position of the celestial body image on the detector. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to scan the image across the detector at controlled speeds, overcoming the slow natural movement caused by Earth's rotation while maintaining a relatively simple overall instrument structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the telescope objective or entrance slit is shifted to create relative movement, then independence from Earth's rotation is achieved, but the movement speed is slow and image quality is unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependence from Earth's rotationVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a mirror as an intermediary element between the telescope objective and the detector. By adjusting the mirror's position or angle, the celestial body image can be rapidly scanned across the detector with high precision. This intermediary approach enables fast, high-quality scanning without requiring physical movement of the heavy telescope objective or complex adjustments of the entrance slit, thereby achieving both independence from Earth's rotation and high image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution allows for faster and higher-quality recording of celestial body images by decoupling the scanning movement from Earth's rotation, improving the efficiency and quality of observations.

Implementation Method 1

A narrow section of the sun's image passes through the entrance slit and is split into its spectral lines, for example, by a diffraction grating.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP4390498A1Assembly for observing a celestial body and method for scanning a celestial body
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 WEIGELE SCI GMBH
  • EP4390498A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP4390498A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4390498A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Arrangement (38) for observing a celestial body comprising: • an observation instrument (11) with a spectrograph (20) for splitting light incident through the entrance aperture (14) into spectral lines (23) and at least one electronic image sensor (24) for detecting at least one of the spectral lines (23); • a compensation device (40) with at least one compensation axis (48, 56, 58) for compensating for a relative motion caused by the Earth's rotation between the celestial body image and the observation instrument (11); • at least one scan axis (45, 47, 63) for generating a relative motion between the celestial body image and the observation instrument (11); and a method for moving a celestial body image relative to an observation instrument (11) using the arrangement (38).