Electromagnetic Optical Mount for Shock Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical system mounts with movable elements, such as those in aircraft, require large holding forces to counteract environmental accelerations and shocks, leading to bulky movement mechanisms to break and reposition optical elements like mirrors.
Innovation Solution
An optical system mount arrangement featuring a mount with a stop, an electromagnet, and a drive motor, where the electromagnet provides a variable holding force adjustable by a controller, allowing the mount to be moved between positions using a smaller drive motor by de-energizing the electromagnet before repositioning, and utilizing ferromagnetic and non-magnetic materials to optimize force and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger holding forces are used to prevent movement during acceleration and shock, then the optical element remains stable in position, but the movement mechanism becomes larger and more complex to break the hold and reposition the element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical holding system (detents and switches) with an electromagnetic system. The electromagnet provides the holding force to keep the optical element in position during acceleration and shock, eliminating the need for complex mechanical structures. The drive motor only needs to overcome the electromagnet's holding force rather than mechanical detent forces, resulting in a smaller, simpler movement mechanism.
2Reliability
If conventional mechanical structures like detents and switches are used to hold the optical element, then the element can be held in position, but the movement force required to reposition it increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet replaces mechanical holding structures, providing a controllable electromagnetic force that can be precisely managed. The controller can engage and disengage the holding force as needed, allowing the drive motor to use smaller, more efficient forces to reposition the optical element compared to breaking mechanical detents.
3Reliability
If a fixed holding force is used, then the optical element can be held securely, but the system cannot adapt to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The holding force is made dynamic and adjustable through the controller, which can engage and disengage the electromagnet as needed. The variable voltage source allows the holding force magnitude to be tuned according to different operational requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining secure holding when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding force parameter can be changed by adjusting the voltage supplied to the electromagnet. The variable voltage source enables tuning of the electromagnetic field strength, allowing the system to adapt holding force levels to match different operational conditions and requirements.
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
This solution reduces the size and weight of the optical system mount by allowing precise control of the holding force and minimizing the drive motor's size, enabling efficient and accurate positioning of optical elements while resisting environmental forces without relying on mechanical detents or switches.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet arranged to exert a holding force when the mount is in the first position
Implementation Method 2
The mount can be constructed from a ferromagnetic material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An optical system mount arrangement (102) includes a stop (112), a mount for an optical element (12), and an electromagnet (116). The mount has a first position and a second position, the mount abutting the stop in the first position and the mount spaced apart from the stop in the second position. The electromagnet is fixed relative to the stop and is arranged to exert a holding force when the mount is in the first position. Optical systems, vehicles carrying optical systems, and methods moving optical elements in optical systems are also described.