Light Pointer With Adjustable Collimating Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light pointers lack the ability to adjust their beam angle effectively between collimated and flood illumination modes, limiting their versatility in applications such as targeting and illumination over varying distances.
Innovation Solution
A light pointer system utilizing an optical fiber with a collimating lens that can be adjusted between collimated and diverging positions to change the cone angle of the output beam from less than 0.045 degrees to greater than 3.0 degrees, allowing for both precise targeting and broader area illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the beam angle is kept small (collimated mode), then the targeting precision is improved, but the illumination area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable collimating lens along the optical axis that allows dynamic adjustment between collimated mode (small beam angle for precision targeting) and flood illumination mode (large beam angle for broad area coverage). This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to switch between the two opposing requirements based on operational needs.
2Area of stationary object
If the beam angle is increased (flood mode), then the illumination area is improved, but the targeting precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable collimating lens enables the system to dynamically switch between flood illumination mode (large beam angle covering wide area) and collimated mode (small beam angle for precise targeting). By adjusting the lens position along the optical axis, the system resolves the contradiction between broad illumination and precision targeting.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the collimating lens is positioned farther from the optical fiber output, then the beam collimation is improved, but the device length is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable collimating lens that can be repositioned along the optical axis within a compact housing. This dynamic positioning allows the lens to achieve optimal collimation distances when needed while maintaining a compact overall device structure, resolving the contradiction between beam collimation quality and device length.
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 the light pointer to provide a collimated beam for long-range targeting and a diverging flood beam for wider area illumination, enhancing its utility in military, hunting, and inspection applications.
Implementation Method 1
a collimating lens positioned along an optical axis of the light-pointer to collect light emitted from an output end of the optical fiber and provide from the collected light a substantially collimated output beam of light
Implementation Method 2
a light source optically coupled to an input end of an optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A light pointer (e.g., laser pointer) comprises an optical fiber light source. Optionally, the output beam provided by the pointer may be adjustable from small output angles (substantially collimated beam, “spot” mode to larger output angles providing “flood” illumination. The light pointer may emit infrared light, for example.