Modular Imager Support Structure for Wheelchair Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical support structures for imagers, such as telescopes, are inaccessible to individuals in wheelchairs due to structural weaknesses and complex designs, making it difficult for them to assemble, align, disassemble, clean, and transport these devices without losing optical alignment.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising a main tube and eyepiece axle with stiff members, allowing a seated user to view objects in three-dimensional space without optical realignment, featuring a design that is simple and inexpensive for unskilled users, with the eyepiece centered on the axis of rotation to reduce main tube bending moments and maintain perfect optical alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional imager support structures are designed with strong structural strength, then optical alignment is maintained, but accessibility for wheelchair users is poor and the device becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate modular components including a base, main tube, eyepiece tube, and counterweight tube that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows wheelchair users to access and manipulate individual parts while maintaining overall structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure incorporates dynamic elements such as rotation mechanisms at the base and movable eyepiece tubes that can be adjusted during use. This allows wheelchair users to operate the imager with minimal physical effort while maintaining proper optical alignment through controlled movement.
2Ease of operation
If the imager structure is made portable and easily transportable, then accessibility is improved, but structural strength deteriorates causing optical misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The imager is divided into separable modules that can be easily transported individually or in small groups, reducing the weight and size of each component while maintaining sufficient structural strength through proper material selection and design of connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes composite construction combining materials with different properties to achieve both portability and structural strength, such as using aluminum alloys for lightweight tubes while incorporating reinforcement elements at critical stress points to maintain optical alignment.
3Volume of moving object
If the eyepiece is positioned away from the axis of rotation, then the structure can be more compact, but main tube bending moments increase causing optical misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The eyepiece tube is positioned asymmetrically relative to the main tube axis, offset from the rotation axis to create a more compact overall structure. This asymmetric placement is compensated for by carefully designed support elements that maintain proper optical alignment despite the reduced symmetry.
Solution Approach 2:
Support elements and mounting mechanisms act as intermediaries between the eyepiece tube and main tube, compensating for the offset positioning. These intermediary components ensure that even though the eyepiece is not on the rotation axis, the optical path remains properly aligned by transferring and distributing mechanical stresses through intermediate structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure comprises image formers, weapons and sighting systems. An image former system is completely practicable by individuals of short stature or limited mobility, especially those in wheelchairs. Ordinary telescope optics and extremely rigid and simplified mechanical structural system allow the imagers incident optical axis to move through three-dimensional space while the eyepiece image moves in one plane. Elevational rotation of the imager about the eyepiece allows the observer to view 360 degrees in elevation without eye movement. A main tube tangential to the objective and parallel to the incident optical axis concentrically receives optical supports which retain the optics. The optical elements may be installed, removed, replaced and cleaned without realignment of the optics. The optical support design receives reflective or refractive optics of varying focal lengths; the objective support accommodates cameras without focal adapters. The structural elements may receive ordnance and sighting means.