Hybrid Reflective-Transmissive Optical Tracking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical tracking devices for light beams struggle to provide all-round coverage and effective elevation range from negative angles to the zenith/nadir, as single-mirror CPA units are limited by mirror elongation requirements, leading to high volume, weight, and cost, while multi-mirror units are complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A tracking device utilizing a combination of reflective and transmissive components, including a reflective mirror and a prismatic body, which can be tilted and rotated to achieve all-round coverage, with the reflective component functioning as a deflection mirror for lower elevation angles and the prism covering higher angles, allowing overlap of deflection ranges to minimize mode switching and reduce back reflections through inclined light incidence and exit surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-mirror CPA unit is used for beam deflection, then the device structure is simple, but the elevation angle range is limited and mirror elongation requirements increase volume and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the CPA unit into two functional segments: a reflective component (mirror) for lower elevation angles and a transmissive component (prism) for higher elevation angles. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific angular range, avoiding the need for an excessively elongated mirror while achieving all-round coverage from -45° to +90° elevation angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional CPA unit where the reflective component and transmissive component work together to cover the complete elevation range. The reflective component handles lower angles while the transmissive component handles higher angles, making the system universal for all elevation requirements without needing separate systems for different angular ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-mirror CPA units are used to achieve all-round coverage, then the elevation angle range is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple mirrors into a hybrid reflective-transmissive system. Instead of using multiple mirrors (as in periscope or Coude CPA units), the invention combines a single reflective component with a single transmissive component, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining all-round coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical multi-mirror system with an optical hybrid system. The transmissive component (prism) substitutes for the mechanical complexity of multiple rotating mirrors, achieving the same angular coverage through optical refraction and total internal reflection rather than mechanical rotation of multiple elements.
3Device complexity
If reflective components are used for beam deflection, then the device is simple, but back reflections occur that interfere with the transmitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical element (the transmissive component with inclined surfaces) between the light beam and the reflective component. The inclined light incidence and exit surfaces of the transmissive component act as intermediaries that redirect back reflections away from the transmitter, eliminating interference while maintaining system simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mode switching between reflective and transmissive components is implemented, then all-round coverage is achieved, but frequent switching may reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the reflective and transmissive components such that their deflection ranges overlap. This preliminary arrangement ensures that at any elevation angle, at least one component is already in position and ready to deflect the beam, eliminating the need for rapid mode switching and maintaining continuous, reliable beam steering throughout the entire angular range.
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 robust, fault-free, and cost-effective all-round coverage from -45° to +90° elevation angles, reducing the need for extensive mirror lengths and complex power transmission, while minimizing back reflections and maintaining beam alignment, thus suitable for various applications including FSO communication and surveying.
Implementation Method 1
In a first operating mode, the light beam is deflected in order to change the elevation angle with the aid of a reflective component (18) having a reflective surface (21)
Implementation Method 2
In a second operating mode, a transmissive (diffractive and possibly also reflective) component (20) is introduced into the light beam (50) or into the optical axis (12) in order to deflect the light beam (50) in a second elevation angle range
Implementation Method 3
The prism body (22) has a base surface (24), which in this exemplary embodiment coincides with the reflecting surface (21) and has two inclined side surfaces (26, 27) which rise from the base surface (24) and are inclined towards one another
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a tracking device (10) for a light beam between a transmitter and a receiver with line of sight between them, which is provided with an optical tracking unit, which defines an optical axis (12), and an optical deflection element (16) arranged therein, which optical deflection element, for the purpose of altering the angle of elevation at which the light beam is incident or emerges, is tiltable about a tilting axis (28) running perpendicularly to the optical axis (12), and which optical deflection element, for the purpose of altering the azimuth angle at which the light beam is incident or emerges, is rotatable about a rotation axis (30) parallel to the optical axis (12). Furthermore, the tracking device has an optical deflection element (16) having a reflective component (18), which has a reflection surface (24), and a transmissive component (20). Furthermore, the optical deflection element (16) is operable for the purpose of changing the angle of elevation by tilting about the tilting axis (28) within a first tilting angle range in a first mode, in which the light beam is deflectable by passing through the transmissive component (20) of the optical deflection element (16), and within a second tilting angle range in a second mode, in which the light beam is deflectable by reflection at the reflective component (18) of the optical deflection element (16).