Flexure Pointing System Jitter Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Jitter in telescopes, caused by vibrations and unstable support, limits the optical resolution of space-based and land-based telescopes, particularly in high-resolution imaging systems where precise angular motion is critical.
Innovation Solution
A jitter reduction system using flexure assemblies with linear motor windings that push out flexures to counteract jitter-inducing movements, orienting the pivot point of the optical system about its center of mass to isolate external vibrations, allowing active control and reducing rotational pointing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the telescope structure is made compact and rigid to withstand high launch loads, then structural strength is improved, but jitter is easily transmitted throughout the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The telescope structure is divided into separate segments: a rigid housing for structural strength and a flexible support base with vibration isolation elements. This segmentation allows the housing to withstand launch loads while the flexible base absorbs and isolates vibrations, preventing jitter transmission to the optical assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible support base with vibration isolation elements is introduced as an intermediary between the rigid housing and the external environment. This intermediary absorbs mechanical vibrations and isolates the telescope's optical assembly from jitter-inducing movements while maintaining structural integrity during launch.
2Measurement precision
If active jitter compensation is implemented using flexure assemblies and linear motors, then optical resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical vibration isolation systems are replaced with a combination of passive flexure assemblies and active linear motor windings. The flexure assemblies provide passive mechanical isolation, while the linear motors provide active electromagnetic compensation, reducing the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure assemblies are designed to passively absorb and dampen vibrations through their inherent elastic properties without requiring external power or control systems. This self-service vibration isolation reduces the complexity of the overall jitter compensation system by eliminating the need for additional active control mechanisms for basic vibration damping.
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
Enhances optical resolution by minimizing unwanted relative angular motion between the target and the imaging system, enabling higher resolution focal plane arrays and improved system capability.
Implementation Method 1
a first armature connected to a first linear motor winding configured to push out a first flexure
Data Source
AI summary
The illustrative embodiments provide for a telescope. The telescope includes a housing; an optical assembly disposed inside the housing and configured to gather light from a distant object; and a jitter reduction system connected to the housing. The jitter reduction system includes a first flexure assembly comprising a first base to which is attached to a first armature connected to a first linear motor winding configured to push out a first flexure connected to the first armature and to push out a second flexure connected to the first armature opposite the first flexure, wherein the first flexure and the second flexure have a first normal axis pointing through a center of mass of the optical assembly.