Dual-Axis Mirror Calibrator for Multi-Band Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional calibrators for multi-band or multi-spectral detector systems face difficulties in thermal management and require multiple mechanisms to configure the imaging system into a calibration mode, leading to calibration errors and inefficiencies, especially in space-based applications.
Innovation Solution
A dual-axis mirror mechanism is used to select one of a plurality of calibration sources, eliminating the need for a 'select' mirror by rotating a single calibration mirror about two orthogonal axes, allowing for efficient thermal management and reduced calibration errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirrors and mechanisms are used to configure calibration mode and select between calibration sources, then the system can achieve multi-band calibration capability, but the device complexity and thermal management difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the switch mirror and select mirror into a single dual-axis mirror mechanism. This single mechanism performs both the switching function (intercepting light path) and the selection function (directing light to specific calibration sources), thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining multi-band calibration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single dual-axis mirror mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can switch between calibration mode and normal imaging mode, and it can select between multiple calibration sources (at least three) for different spectral bands. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirrors and mechanisms are used to configure calibration mode and select between calibration sources, then the system can achieve multi-band calibration capability, but thermal management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple mirror mechanisms into a single dual-axis mirror, the patent reduces the total surface area and material that can conduct or generate heat. Fewer components mean fewer thermal pathways and less heat accumulation, simplifying thermal management in the calibration system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mirror components and mechanisms from the conventional design. By removing redundant elements, the system reduces thermal complexity and heat generation sources, making thermal management more manageable
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional calibrator designs with multiple mechanisms are used, then calibration sources can be selected, but calibration errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mirror functions into a single precision-controlled dual-axis mirror mechanism. This integration reduces the number of optical interfaces and alignment points, thereby minimizing cumulative alignment errors and improving calibration accuracy while maintaining the ability to select between multiple calibration sources
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 dual-axis mirror mechanism reduces calibration errors, minimizes the number of components, and simplifies thermal management, enabling precise calibration across multiple spectral bands without the need for complex source rotation, making it suitable for space-based applications.
Implementation Method 1
the calibration mirror... being configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the at least one radiation source and to reflect the electromagnetic radiation toward the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Calibration devices, systems, and methods for calibrating a sensor. In one example a calibrator includes a housing, a dual-axis mirror positioning mechanism disposed within the housing, and a single calibration mirror coupled to the dual-axis mirror positioning mechanism and disposed within the housing, the dual-axis mirror positioning mechanism being configured to rotate the calibration mirror about a first axis to move the calibration mirror from a stowed position into a deployed position and, when the calibration mirror is in the deployed position, to rotate the calibration mirror about a second axis into a plurality of calibration positions, the first and second axes being orthogonal.