Optical Adapter System for Night Vision and Camera Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard optical assemblies require frequent modifications to adapt to changing lighting or atmospheric conditions, but existing adapters are limited in application, complex, noisy, inconsistent, prone to damage, and expensive, failing to ensure secure and quiet assembly in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, quiet, secure, and cost-effective optical adapter system using hardened plastic components with collars, attachment members, and locking mechanisms to connect image modifying devices, including night vision monoculars, cameras, and telephoto lenses, with engraved markings for assembly in dark conditions, and electric isolation to prevent noise and exposure to elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing adapters are used to connect image modifying devices, then connection functionality is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and noisy requiring tools and buckles
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into a collar portion and an attachment member portion that can be separately assembled. The collar receives the second image modifying device, while the attachment member connects to the first and third devices. This segmentation simplifies the overall assembly process by allowing modular construction without complex tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment member is inserted through the collar in a nested fashion, with the attachment member passing through the collar structure. The dowels and female/male electric connectors are nested within the attachment member, creating a compact integrated assembly that reduces complexity.
2Strength
If metal components are used in the adapter, then structural strength is achieved, but erosion and rust occur in harsh climates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter combines metal components with plastic components to create a composite structure. The collar is made of plastic material that resists corrosion and erosion in harsh climates, while metal reinforcement is integrated where structural strength is needed. This composite approach maintains durability while eliminating the rust and erosion problems of pure metal construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If delicate components like wiring and pin connectors are exposed in the adapter, then connection functionality is achieved, but damage from elements occurs during use or assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The collar structure acts as a protective shell that encloses and protects the delicate wiring and pin connectors. The attachment member integrates the electrical connectors within its structure, shielding them from environmental elements during both assembly and use. This protective enclosure maintains connection functionality while preventing damage from harsh conditions.
4Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then secure connection is achieved, but excessive noise is produced during assembly or disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical locking mechanism with snapping buckles is replaced with a friction-based retention system. The attachment member is retained on the collar through friction and the interlocking geometry of the dowels and cavities, eliminating the need for loud snapping buckles. This substitution maintains secure connection while dramatically reducing noise during assembly and disassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. One adapter's collar includes a gripping mechanism to grip one end of the night vision monocular. The other adapter's collar includes one or two channels to each receive a pin on the other end of the night vision monocular and a locking mechanism to secure one pin in its channel. Attachments members on each adapter include mechanical and electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and to electrically connect the camera with the lens.