Laser Fiber Coupling Device with Protective Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently directing infrared light from lasers into optical fibers on aircraft, particularly due to contamination and the need for different lens combinations for various laser types, which affects the accuracy and duration of missile defense systems.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a light-guiding assembly and an optically transparent window that isolates the optical fiber from contaminants, allowing for adjustable lens assemblies to accommodate different laser inputs, ensuring efficient light transmission and easy replacement for various laser sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optical fiber input surface is exposed to the environment for easy connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the fiber becomes contaminated reducing light transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent window is introduced as an intermediary element between the optical fiber input surface and the external environment. This window allows light to pass through while physically isolating the fiber端面 from contaminants in the environment, thus maintaining both ease of connection and cleanliness of the fiber input surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The input surface of the optical fiber is extracted from direct environmental exposure by placing it inside a sealed housing. The fiber端面 is positioned within the housing where it can be connected to the light-guiding assembly without being exposed to external contaminants, effectively separating the connection function from environmental exposure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different lens assemblies are used for different laser types, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal mounting structure is designed for the lens assembly that can accommodate different laser types through a standardized interface. The housing includes a standardized bore and mounting mechanism that allows various lens assemblies with different optical characteristics to be interchangeably mounted, providing multi-functionality without requiring custom integration for each laser type.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities within the housing. The mounting structure allows the lens to be dynamically repositioned along the optical axis and laterally, enabling the same lens assembly to work with different laser types by adjusting its position rather than requiring completely different assemblies.
3Ease of manufacture
If the lens assembly position is fixed for easy manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to accommodate different laser types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into modular components: a fixed housing structure for manufacturing simplicity, and a separately mountable lens assembly that can be positioned and secured after housing assembly. This segmentation allows the housing to be manufactured with simple fixed features, while the lens assembly can be independently configured for different laser types and then mounted into the same housing.
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 solution effectively directs infrared light into optical fibers while maintaining a clean environment and accommodating different laser types, enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of aircraft missile defense systems by ensuring efficient light transmission and easy adaptation to various laser sources.
Implementation Method 1
directing light from a laser into an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
one or more optical elements that can interact with incident light
Implementation Method 3
an optically transparent window that isolates the optical fiber from contaminants
Data Source
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AI summary
A missile defense system (20) for aircraft includes a laser (12) for generating infrared light, a turret (22) that can direct the light toward a missile to blind its infrared sensors, and an optical fiber (14) for delivering the light to the turret (22). The system (20) includes a coupling device (10) for directing the light from the laser (12) into the optical fiber (14). The coupling device (10) includes a light-guiding assembly (24) with one or more lenses or other optical devices to direct the light into the optical fiber (14). The coupling device (10) also isolates the input end of the optical fiber (14) from the environment with an optically-transparent window (26) and provides a way to use a different light-guiding assembly (24) with different lasers (12). The window (26) isolates the end of the fiber (14) from any contaminants in the environment to keep the optical fiber (14) relatively clean, and thereby provide a suitable surface for the light to enter the fiber (14).