Variable Aperture Microshutter Array for Optical Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical devices, such as infrared detectors, require different aperture sizes for optimal performance across various applications, leading to the need for mechanical adjustments or exchange of aperture hardware, which is cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A microshutter array with individually controllable microshutter cells that can move between open and closed positions using electromagnetic fields, allowing for a continuously variable aperture size to match the f-number and wavelength requirements, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical adjustments or exchange of aperture hardware are used to change aperture size, then different aperture sizes can be achieved for different applications, but the device becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture size variationVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical aperture adjustment mechanisms with a microshutter array that uses electromagnetic actuation. Each microshutter cell can be independently controlled to open or close, allowing aperture size to be changed electronically without any mechanical moving parts in the traditional sense. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical exchanges and adjustments, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The microshutter array provides dynamic control of aperture size by allowing individual shutters to be opened or closed in real-time based on operational requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the aperture to adapt quickly to different applications without mechanical intervention, maintaining both versatility and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical aperture adjustment mechanisms are used, then aperture size can be changed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaperture size variationVSAvoidmechanical mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates complex mechanical aperture adjustment mechanisms by using a microshutter array actuated by electromagnetic fields. The microshutter cells are controlled individually or in groups through electrical signals, replacing the need for mechanical linkages, motors, and adjustment mechanisms. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to vary aperture size for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single optical system is designed to perform multiple functions with different aperture sizes, then versatility is improved, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-function capabilityVSAvoiddevice compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The microshutter array enables a single optical system to perform multiple functions by dynamically reconfiguring the aperture size according to different operational requirements. The same optical detector can be used for various applications (e.g., different field of view requirements, different wavelength optimizations) simply by adjusting which microshutter cells are open or closed, eliminating the need for multiple physical aperture components or interchangeable hardware.

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 a compact, rapidly reconfigurable optical device with reduced power consumption and minimized particulation, capable of performing multiple functions with a single optical system by adjusting aperture size without mechanical parts, optimizing performance across different applications.

Implementation Method 1

A microshutter array with individually controllable microshutter cells that can move between open and closed positions using electromagnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic fields: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8218220B1Variable aperture optical device having a microshutter

Publication Date: 2012.07.10 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

In certain embodiments, a detection device includes a structure having an entrance that permits radiation to enter the structure and a radiation detector operable to detect radiation that enters the structure. The device also includes a microshutter array coupled to the structure and aligned with the entrance, the array comprising a plurality of microshutter cells operable to move between a first position in which that microshutter cell prevents radiation of a first wavelength from passing through a portion of the entrance and a second position in which that microshutter cell permits the radiation of the first wavelength to pass through the portion of the entrance. The device further includes an actuating device operable to define a first entrance pupil having a first f-number by moving a plurality of microshutter cells associated with the first f-number.