Corrector Lens Rotation for Conformal Window Aberration Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conformal windows with non-spherical shapes introduce optical aberrations in electromagnetic radiation, requiring complex and expensive lens arrangements for correction, which can negatively impact vehicle aerodynamics and performance.

Innovation Solution

An optical system with a corrector lens that reduces aberrations by rotating about the optical axis to maintain alignment with the window's axis of symmetry, using a rotation mechanism to adjust the corrector lens's position based on the line-of-sight, effectively correcting astigmatism and trefoil aberrations without the need for additional corrective elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a conformal non-spherical window is used, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but optical aberrations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic efficiencyVSAvoidoptical aberrations

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical correction function is segmented into two parts: the conformal window maintains aerodynamic efficiency while a separate corrector lens handles aberration correction. This allows each component to optimize its primary function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A corrector lens is introduced as an intermediary element between the conformal window and the sensor. This mediator component specifically addresses the optical aberrations introduced by the non-spherical window without requiring changes to the window's aerodynamic shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If complex lens arrangements are added to correct aberrations, then optical quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical qualityVSAvoidlens arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aberration correction function is extracted from a complex multi-element lens system and implemented using a single corrector lens. This extraction simplifies the overall optical arrangement while maintaining correction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A simple single-element corrector lens is used instead of complex expensive multi-element lens arrangements. The corrector lens can be a basic optical element that provides sufficient correction without requiring sophisticated design or expensive materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If spherical windows are used, then optical aberrations are reduced, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical aberrationsVSAvoidaerodynamic performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The functions of aerodynamic optimization and optical correction are segmented into two separate components: the conformal window for aerodynamics and the corrector lens for optical quality. This avoids the need to compromise either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The corrector lens serves as an intermediary that compensates for the optical deficiencies of the conformal window, allowing the window to maintain its aerodynamic shape without spherical constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If multiple corrective lens elements are used, then aberration correction is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaberration correctionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single corrector lens element is used instead of multiple expensive corrective elements. This single lens can be manufactured using standard optical fabrication processes, significantly reducing cost while providing adequate correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The aberration correction function is combined into a single lens element rather than being distributed across multiple elements. This merging simplifies manufacturing, reduces alignment requirements, and lowers overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 low-cost, single-lens mechanism that significantly reduces aberrations caused by conformal windows, maintaining image quality across various angles of view while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency by eliminating the need for complex lens arrangements.

Implementation Method 1

a corrector lens that is configured to reduce aberrations in EMR received from a window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS9897771B1Method for correcting optical aberrations in electromagnetic radiation in an optical system

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

An optical system is provided. The optical system includes a corrector lens that is configured to reduce aberrations in electromagnetic radiation (EMR) received from a window having a window axis of symmetry. A rotation mechanism is coupled to the corrector lens, and is configured to selectively rotate the corrector lens about an optical axis of the corrector lens to maintain a Y-axis of the corrector lens in a same plane as the window axis of symmetry of the window.