Night Vision Bridge Assembly for Field Optical Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular binocular night vision systems face challenges in optical axis alignment due to the lack of specialized tools for field collimation, making it difficult for users to adjust and align different scopes without factory assistance.
Innovation Solution
A bridge assembly connects monocular tube assemblies with alignment members, such as lasers or reticles, allowing users to align optical axes manually or automatically outside the manufacturing facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular binocular night vision systems are designed with separate monocular tube assemblies, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to lack of specialized field alignment tools
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform alignment operations independently in the field using built-in alignment members (lasers, reticles, or alignment holes) without requiring specialized factory tooling or external alignment equipment. The alignment members are integrated into the monocular tube assemblies themselves, allowing users to self-align the optical axes by viewing alignment patterns through the scopes and adjusting accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment members such as lasers, reticles, or alignment holes are pre-installed and pre-positioned within the monocular tube assemblies during manufacturing. These preliminary alignment features are built into the structure before the modules are separated, enabling accurate optical axis alignment to be performed in the field without requiring complex real-time measurement and adjustment procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized alignment tooling is used for optical axis alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for factory-specific equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is made self-contained within the night vision system itself. Alignment members (lasers, reticles, or alignment holes) are integrated into the monocular tube assemblies, allowing users to perform alignment operations independently in the field without requiring external specialized tooling or factory equipment. Users simply need to view the alignment patterns through the scopes and make adjustments based on the visual feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment members serve as intermediary visual indicators that mediate between the optical components and the user. These intermediaries (lasers, reticles, or alignment holes) provide a visible reference that enables users to accurately align optical axes without needing complex measurement instruments or specialized alignment procedures. The alignment members translate abstract optical alignment requirements into simple visual tasks.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment is performed at the factory using specialty tooling, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is extracted from the factory environment and integrated directly into the field-use system. By incorporating alignment members (lasers, reticles, or alignment holes) within the monocular tube assemblies, the patent removes the dependency on external specialized alignment equipment. The alignment capability is taken out of the factory setting and made available to end users in operational environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system becomes self-sufficient regarding alignment operations. The alignment members are built into the monocular tube assemblies themselves, eliminating the need for separate specialized alignment tools or factory equipment. Users can perform all necessary alignment operations using the built-in features of the system itself, reducing overall device complexity by eliminating external equipment requirements.
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 field-adjustable alignment of optical axes, enhancing usability and versatility of night vision systems without requiring specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Each monocular tube assembly may include an alignment member associated with the monocular tube assembly. In some examples, the alignment member may include a laser
Implementation Method 2
The image intensifier has a photocathode. When photons strike the photocathode, electrons are emitted into a vacuum tube
Implementation Method 3
electrons are emitted into a vacuum tube and directed towards a microchannel plate to amplify the electrons
Implementation Method 4
The amplified electrons strike a phosphor screen. The phosphor screen is typically chosen such that it emits human visible light when the amplified electrons strike the phosphor screen
Data Source
AI summary
One example illustrated herein includes an optical device including a bridge assembly configured to connect two or more monocular tube assemblies and at least two monocular tube assemblies. Each monocular tube assembly includes a housing, an alignment member attached to the housing, the alignment member providing an indication of an optical axis of the monocular tube assembly, and an interface component that links the housing to the bridge assembly, the interface component comprising an adjustment mechanism that enables adjustment of the monocular tube assembly relative to the bridge assembly, such that the adjustment mechanism can be used in conjunction with the alignment member to align different optical axes. Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented to allow for field-alignment of the optical device.