Dual-Path Optical Steering With Deployable Mirror for Wide Field of Regard
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering mechanisms for optical systems are large, consume valuable space, and require expensive actuators, while turreted approaches lack agility and require larger window assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A dual path optical steering system with a primary and secondary mirror, supported by a yoke, allows for rotation about multiple axes, including a counterweight mechanism, to extend the field of regard without increasing overall size or requiring expensive actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional steering mechanisms are used, then field of regard is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical steering system is divided into separate functional components: a primary mirror for basic steering, a secondary mirror for field of regard extension, and a yoke mechanism for coordinated movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while achieving the overall goal of extended field of regard without proportionally increasing system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary mirror is mounted on the yoke in a nested configuration, allowing it to be positioned within or adjacent to the primary mirror assembly. This nesting arrangement enables the secondary mirror to extend the field of regard without requiring a completely separate, large-scale steering mechanism, thus improving field of regard while controlling overall device volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional steering mechanisms are used, then field of regard is improved, but actuator cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the primary mirror, mounts the secondary mirror, provides rotational movement about multiple axes, and coordinates the steering actions of both mirrors. This merging of functions into a single mechanism reduces the need for multiple separate actuators and complex control systems, achieving extended field of regard while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke is designed as a universal support structure that handles multiple steering functions through its rotatable mounting of the primary and secondary mirrors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for specialized actuators for each mirror, reducing overall actuator complexity and cost while maintaining the capability for extended field of regard.
3Adaptability or versatility
If turreted approaches are used, then field of regard is improved, but agility and responsiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The optical steering system employs dynamic, flexible mounting of the mirrors on the yoke, allowing independent and coordinated movement of the primary and secondary mirrors. This dynamic configuration enables rapid adjustment of the field of regard without the rigid constraints of turreted approaches, thus improving field of regard while maintaining high steering agility and responsiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If larger window assemblies are used, then field of regard is improved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends the field of regard by introducing a secondary mirror that operates in a different spatial dimension relative to the primary mirror. By mounting the secondary mirror on the yoke and coordinating its movement with the primary mirror, the system achieves extended field of regard through multi-dimensional optical paths rather than requiring proportionally larger window assemblies, thus improving field of regard while controlling stationary object area.
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 system achieves a wider field of regard with reduced space requirements and cost-effective actuation, enabling agile optical steering without the need for large window assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
an optical assembly (10) including a primary mirror (12), a secondary mirror (14), and an optical steering system
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly includes a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, and an optical steering system configured to support and position the primary mirror and the secondary mirror. The optical steering system includes a base and a yoke rotatably coupled to the base. The yoke is configured to support the primary mirror to rotate the primary mirror about a first axis and to support a secondary mirror to rotate the secondary mirror about a second axis. The yoke further is configured to rotate the primary and secondary mirror about a third axis. The secondary mirror is configured to move from a stowed position in which the optical assembly is positioned to receive an image from a field of view to a deployed position in which the optical assembly is positioned to receive an image from a field of regard.