Dual-Mirror Beam Director for Hemispherical EMR Pointing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitting or detecting devices require cumbersome mechanical assemblies with limited rotation and pointing range, such as gimbal systems, stacked actuator systems, and galvanometer actuator systems, which are heavy and have restricted mechanical performance.

Innovation Solution

A beam director comprising a first and second mirror surface, each rotated independently about a shared axis, with the EMR device emitting or detecting along this axis, allowing for a hemispherical range of EMR emission and detection, and optionally including a third mirror surface for compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical assemblies (gimbal systems, stacked actuators, galvanometer systems) are used for EMR device alignment, then mechanical support and positioning are provided, but the system becomes heavy, complex, and limited in rotation and pointing range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation and pointing rangeVSAvoidmechanical assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems (gimbals, stacked actuators, galvanometers) with a simplified mechanical support structure combined with actively rotating mirror surfaces. The mirrors rotate about axes that intersect their surfaces at non-perpendicular, non-parallel angles, enabling wide angular ranges without requiring complex mechanical assemblies. This substitution reduces device complexity while expanding adaptability and pointing range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by positioning rotation axes to intersect mirror surfaces at oblique angles (neither perpendicular nor parallel). This oblique intersection geometry allows the mirrors to sweep through large angular ranges in multiple dimensions, achieving hemispherical or greater coverage without the mechanical complexity of traditional multi-axis positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical assemblies are used for EMR device alignment, then positioning capability is provided, but the system becomes heavy with limited mechanical performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepointing rangeVSAvoidmechanical assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates heavy mechanical positioning assemblies (gimbals, stacked actuators) and replaces them with a lightweight mechanical support structure. The positioning function is achieved through the rotation of mirror surfaces about oblique axes, which provides wide pointing ranges without requiring heavy mechanical components. This substitution dramatically reduces the weight of the moving object while maintaining or improving pointing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If mirrors are positioned perpendicular or parallel to rotation axis, then simple mounting is achieved, but limited angular range and mechanical performance result

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidangular range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of mirror surfaces relative to rotation axes, where the mirrors are mounted at oblique angles (neither perpendicular nor parallel). This asymmetric configuration optimizes the angular sweep range and mechanical performance, allowing mirrors to access wider angular ranges while maintaining simple mounting arrangements. The asymmetric geometry enables the system to achieve hemispherical or greater coverage without complex mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enables a full hemispherical range of EMR emission and detection with a compact and lightweight design, reducing mechanical complexity and enhancing pointing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the EMR directed along the rotation axis bounces off the first mirror surface and the second mirror surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250370248A1Beam directors

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Beam directors comprise a first mirror surface configured to be selectively rotated about a rotation axis, a second mirror surface facing the first mirror surface and configured to be selectively rotated about the rotation axis independent of rotation of the first mirror surface, and an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) device configured to emit or detect EMR along the rotation axis toward or from the first mirror surface. The first mirror surface and the second mirror surface are angled relative to the rotation axis so that at a plurality of rotational positions of the first mirror surface relative to the second mirror surface, the EMR directed along the rotation axis bounces off the first mirror surface and the second mirror surface.