Non-mechanical LCTF Assembly for Multi-mode Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switchable optical filter assemblies rely on mechanical movement, introducing error points and requiring complex mechanical parts, which limits their ability to provide multiple imaging modes on a single platform without mechanical control.

Innovation Solution

A non-mechanical liquid crystal tunable filter (LCTF) architecture that switches between conformal and multi-conjugate filter modes using twisted nematic cells and voltage control, eliminating the need for mechanical movement by altering the polarization of light electrically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional mechanical switchable filter assemblies are used, then multiple imaging modes can be achieved, but the device complexity and error points increase due to mechanical movement components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-mode imaging capabilityVSAvoidmechanical parts and control schemes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical movement of filter stages with electrical control of liquid crystal tunable filter components. Voltage application to the LCTF assembly selectively activates or deactivates specific LCTF components, enabling switching between multi-conjugate filter mode and conformal filter mode without any mechanical moving parts, thereby eliminating mechanical error points while maintaining multi-mode capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational state of LCTF components by applying or removing voltage, which alters the polarization properties of the twisted nematic cells. This parameter change (electrical voltage state) controls which filter components are active, enabling mode switching between MCF and CF modes without mechanical movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical filter stage movement is used for mode switching, then different filtering modes can be implemented, but reliability decreases due to introduced error points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering mode switchingVSAvoiderror points in mechanical system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical filter stage movement entirely by using electrical voltage control to activate or deactivate LCTF components. The twisted nematic liquid crystal cells change their optical properties when voltage is applied, allowing mode switching without mechanical parts, thereby improving reliability by removing mechanical error points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If non-mechanical LCTF assembly is used, then error points are reduced, but compatibility with existing hardware may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduced error pointsVSAvoidhardware compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the LCTF assembly to work with existing controller boards and interface boards by maintaining compatibility with standard hardware interfaces. The electrical control mechanism can be integrated into existing imaging system hardware architectures, allowing the non-mechanical filter system to replace mechanical systems without requiring complete hardware redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 multiple imaging modes on a single platform with reduced error points, compatibility with existing hardware, and adaptive spectral bandwidths, enhancing imaging capabilities in applications like threat detection and molecular imaging.

Implementation Method 1

a first twisted nematic cell positioned between the first optical filter and the second optical filter, the first twisted nematic cell configured to polarize received light by 90° when a first voltage is not applied and not polarize the received light when the first voltage is applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTwisted nematic liquid crystal polarization: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentUS11719985B2Non-mechanical multi-mode MCF/CF

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 CHEMIMAGE CORP

AI summary

A non-mechanical liquid crystal tunable filter (LCTF) assembly capable of switching between a multi-conjugate filter mode and a conformal filter mode is described. The non-mechanical LCTF architecture can include a plurality of LCTF components that each comprises a first optical filter comprising a first optical axis, a second optical filter comprising a second optical axis, wherein the second optical axis is rotated 90° relative to the first optical axis, and a first twisted nematic cell positioned between the first optical filter and the second optical filter, the first twisted nematic cell configured to polarize received light by 90° when a voltage is not applied and not polarize the received light when the voltage is applied. The non-mechanical LCTF assembly is configured to switch between a conformal filter mode and a multi-conjugate filter mode based on whether the voltage is applied to each of the plurality of LCTF components.