Object Finder Mounting Apparatus with Projection Plate for Safe Solar Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spotting scopes are limited in their versatility and safety when used with high-magnification optical instruments, as they cannot be used to observe luminous objects like the sun without risking eye damage, and they lack a mechanism for precise alignment with telescopes during auto-tracking errors.
Innovation Solution
An object-finder-mounting apparatus with a base, object-finder-holder assembly, shadow-casting member, and projection plate that allows conversion between two working modes: one for object location using an object finder and another for safely aligning with luminous objects by casting a shadow on the projection plate, enabling precise alignment without direct observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spotting scope is used to locate objects with a telescope, then object location capability is improved, but eye safety deteriorates when observing luminous objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a projection plate as an intermediary device between the user's eye and the luminous object. Instead of directly viewing the sun or other luminous objects through the spotting scope, the optical system projects an image onto the projection plate, which the user then observes indirectly. This mediator prevents harmful radiation from reaching the user's eyes while preserving the object location capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct optical viewing path with a projection-based observation method. By substituting the mechanical/optical system of direct viewing with a projection system that casts images onto a plate, the harmful direct exposure to luminous objects is eliminated while maintaining the ability to locate and observe objects of interest.
2Measurement precision
If a spotting scope is mounted to a telescope for object finding, then target location accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is designed to serve multiple functions: it securely mounts the spotting scope to the telescope, enables precise alignment between the two optical instruments, and provides the projection capability for safe luminous object observation. By combining these functions into a single integrated device, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining target location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mounting mechanism, alignment system, and projection plate assembly into a single integrated apparatus. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall device while preserving the precision target location capability that comes from proper spotting scope-telescope alignment.
3Ease of operation
If direct observation of luminous objects is performed through a telescope, then observation capability is improved, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The projection plate serves as an intermediary that allows users to observe luminous objects indirectly. The telescope and spotting scope project the image of the luminous object onto the plate, and users observe the projection rather than looking directly at the source. This maintains observation capability while eliminating the harmful direct exposure to intense light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful intense light from luminous objects into a useful projection on the projection plate. By utilizing the optical system to project rather than directly transmit the light, the potentially damaging radiation is transformed into a safe, viewable image that preserves all observational benefits without the associated risks.
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 apparatus enhances the versatility of object finders by allowing safe alignment with luminous objects and corrects auto-tracking errors in telescopes, improving the user's ability to locate and observe targets with high-magnification instruments while preventing eye damage.
Implementation Method 1
a shadow of at least a portion of the shadow-casting member is cast onto the projection plate when the optical instrument is directed toward a luminous object
Data Source
AI summary
An object-finder-mounting apparatus comprises: a base for mounting the object-finder-mounting apparatus to an optical instrument; an object-finder-holder assembly coupled to the base and comprising one or more object-finder holders for removably holding an object finder; a projection plate moveably coupled to the base and/or the object-finder-holder assembly for movement between first and second positions; and a shadow-casting member. The object-finder-mounting apparatus is convertible between first and second working modes. In the first working mode, the projection plate is moved to the first position which permits use of the object finder held by the object-finder holders to locate objects. In the second working mode, the object finder is removed from the object-finder holders and the projection plate is moved to the second position. In the second working mode, the shadow-casting member casts a shadow onto the projection plate when the optical instrument is directed toward a luminous object.