Nested Multicube Retroreflector for Wide-Angle Optical Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retroreflectors have limited angular acceptance and packing efficiency, making them ineffective in dynamic or unknown optical systems, and they have not been utilized in active two-way communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multicube retroreflector design that includes nested corner cubes, allowing for increased angular acceptance and efficient packing, while also being used in retroreflector-based communication systems with modulated retroreflectors to enhance data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional corner cube retroreflectors are used, then they can return light towards the source when oriented correctly, but they have limited angular acceptance and require precise orientation knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested corner cubes where smaller corner cubes are positioned inside larger ones, with each nested level providing retroreflection for different angular ranges. This nesting structure allows the retroreflector to accept light from a wider range of angles without requiring precise orientation, as each nested corner cube handles different incident angle scenarios.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple retroreflectors are packed densely to cover larger areas, then the retroreflective surface area increases, but the packing efficiency of conventional corner cubes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting corner cubes of different sizes within each other, the patent achieves more efficient space utilization. The nested structure allows multiple retroreflective elements to occupy the same physical footprint, effectively increasing the retroreflective surface area without proportionally increasing the overall device volume or complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional retroreflectors are used in communication systems, then passive reflection is achieved, but active two-way communication with data transmission is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic modulation capabilities to the retroreflector system, where the retroreflector can be actively controlled to modulate the reflected light signal. This dynamic control enables the retroreflector to encode data in the reflected light, transforming it from a passive optical element into an active communication device capable of two-way data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The retroreflector-based communication system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the retroreflector receives light signals and returns modulated light signals containing communication data. This feedback loop enables active two-way communication, allowing the retroreflector to not only reflect light but also transmit information back to the source.
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
The multicube retroreflector design significantly improves light reflection efficiency across a wider range of angles and can be used in communication systems to enhance data transmission rates with reduced power and alignment requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Retroreflectors are optical elements that can direct a significant fraction of light incident upon them back towards the source
Implementation Method 2
Light rays entering the corner cube's acceptance window are reflected back towards their source along parallel but potentially offset trajectories
Data Source
AI summary
A “multicube” retroreflector may include “nested” corner cubes. Such a design combines the ease of fabrication of conventional corner cubes (e.g., stamping from a sheet) and the ability to easily and densely package them with a greater range of angles over which light will be reflected back towards the source. Such multicube retroreflectors may reflect 50% more light than corner cube retroreflectors. A retroreflector, or an array of retroreflectors, may be used as part of a communication system. A modulated retroreflector or an array thereof can form the basis of a unique communication system. For instance, by using a modulated retroreflector, or an array of such retroreflectors, a host system (e.g., an aircraft) can receive data from a remote system (e.g., a drone, an air-dropped sensor package, etc.) in a way that is difficult to intercept, and minimizes the power, computation, and antenna pointing requirements for the remote system.