Monocular Night Vision Device Segmentation for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing night vision devices are bulky and heavy due to the integration of image intensifier tube modules and power supplies, lacking an integrated/potted monocular housing with collimation and removability for helmet mounting.
Innovation Solution
A monocular night vision device design featuring a conductive monocular housing with a tube module, optical elements, and a power supply, where the tube module is potted within the housing and aligned with a cross beam for collimation and removability, along with a method to retrofit existing devices by repotting and reconfiguring components for weight reduction and improved alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional night vision devices integrate tube modules and power supplies into a unified housing, then device functionality is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a tube module housing containing the image intensifier tube and a separate power supply unit. These modules can be independently configured and connected, allowing the system to achieve integrated functionality while maintaining reduced weight and size compared to traditional unified housings.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional night vision devices use fixed housing structures, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability for different mounting configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable mounting features that allow the device to adapt to different mounting configurations (such as helmet mounts or fixed positions) while maintaining a relatively simple base structure. The mounting interface can be dynamically adjusted or reconfigured without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional night vision devices use integrated power supplies, then device stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is separated into a distinct module that can be independently designed, tested, and optimized for stability. This modular approach allows the power supply to maintain stable operation while reducing overall system complexity, as each module can be simplified independently rather than requiring a complex integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a lightweight night vision device (NVD) sealed from environmental conditions, shielded from electromagnetic interference (EMI), and having mechanisms for easy adjustment and fixation of collimation and interpupillary distance. The NVD monocular housing is integrated with the eyepiece, image intensifier tube module, and objective, allowing collimation to be fixed via an optical alignment of the monocular housing to its eyepiece, tube module, and objective. Certain components from existing NVDs may be reused in assembling the present invention to provide cost savings.