Coarse Pointing Prism Mechanism for Satellite Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical pointing systems for inter-satellite links face challenges in accurate beam pointing due to large beam sizes and complex control requirements, particularly with galvanometers and prism-based solutions, which are often bulky and costly, and struggle with precision and mechanical disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical pointing apparatus using a rotating transmission prism and a rotatable mechanism, aligned with a fine steering mechanism, providing elevation and azimuth control through a wedge-based prism design, which reduces complexity and size compared to traditional systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If galvanometers are used for coarse pointing, then beam steering capability is achieved, but device size becomes large and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering devices (galvanometers, mirror assemblies) with a prism-based optical steering system. The transmission prism rotates to steer the beam through refraction, eliminating the need for large mechanical steering components while achieving the same beam direction control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a rotatable transmission prism instead of fixed mechanical steering components. The prism rotation angle directly controls beam steering, providing a more compact and flexible solution that reduces device volume while maintaining steering capability.
2Ease of operation
If reflection-based CPA with mirrors on 2D gimbal is used, then coarse pointing function is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex 2D gimbal mirror assembly with a single rotatable transmission prism. This substitution simplifies the mechanical structure by eliminating multiple mirrors, gimbal mechanisms, and associated mounting systems, while maintaining the coarse pointing function through the prism's rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical components from the conventional CPA design. By removing the 2D gimbal, multiple mirrors, and complex mounting structures, the design achieves coarse pointing with minimal mechanical elements, reducing both complexity and size.
3Ease of operation
If Risley prism pairs are used for beam steering, then beam steering capability is achieved, but control complexity increases requiring multiple control loops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple control loops by using a single transmission prism instead of Risley prism pairs. The single prism design allows beam steering through one rotation degree of freedom, simplifying the control system to a single control loop while maintaining steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple prisms in series (Risley configuration) to achieve beam steering, the patent inverts the approach by using a single prism whose rotation angle directly determines the beam direction. This inversion simplifies the control architecture by reducing multiple coupled control variables to a single independent variable.
4Ease of operation
If electro-optic or acousto-optic crystals are used, then beam steering is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electro-optic or acousto-optic crystals with a simple mechanical transmission prism system. The transmission prism is a passive optical component that can be manufactured at low cost, eliminating the need for costly active materials while achieving the same beam steering function through mechanical rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes active electro-optic or acousto-optic systems with a passive mechanical prism rotation system. This replacement eliminates the need for expensive crystals and active materials, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining beam steering capability through simple mechanical rotation and refraction.
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 enables precise and efficient beam pointing with reduced mechanical complexity and size, improving the accuracy and reliability of inter-satellite links while minimizing the need for precision motion encoders and simplifying control loops.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission prism rotatably coupled to the telescope, wherein the transmission prism is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable mechanism operatively coupled to the telescope, wherein the rotatable mechanism is configured to rotate around a second rotation axis that is different than the first rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for optical pointing is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a telescope, a transmission prism rotatably coupled to the telescope, and a rotatable mechanism operatively coupled to the telescope. The transmission prism is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis, and the rotatable mechanism is configured to rotate around a second rotation axis that is different than the first rotation axis.