Electro-optics Optical Assembly Focus Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices, such as night vision goggles and binoculars, face design impediments due to the need for independent focus adjustments of objective and eyepiece lenses, leading to increased complexity and cost, especially in multi-channel systems where electro-optical performance is reduced if the eyepiece is fixed, and alignment of lenses and sensors becomes costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The optical assembly features a fixed eyepiece with the image sensing assembly and objective lens, where the image sensing assembly moves for eyepiece focus and the objective lens is installed in the sensor housing, allowing independent focus adjustments and simplified electrical connections, reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the eyepiece and objective lens are made adjustable for independent focus, then each user's optical prescription can be accommodated, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the eyepiece focus adjustment with the objective lens focus adjustment into a single integrated mechanism. When the user adjusts focus, both the eyepiece and objective lens move simultaneously in a coordinated manner, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms while maintaining the ability to accommodate different optical prescriptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single focus adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts both the eyepiece and objective lens focus, accommodates different user prescriptions, and maintains proper alignment between optical components. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while achieving the same adaptability goals.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is made rotatable to accommodate fixed lenses, then lens fixing is simplified, but expensive special electrical connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the sensor to accommodate fixed lenses, the patent inverts the approach by making the lenses adjustable relative to the fixed sensor. This eliminates the need for complex rotating electrical connections while achieving the same goal of accommodating different optical configurations.
3Device complexity
If the eyepiece is fixed to sensor output, then alignment is simplified, but electro-optical performance is reduced due to lack of eyepiece focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static eyepiece-fixed-to-sensor configuration into a dynamic system where the eyepiece can move relative to the sensor during focus adjustment. This dynamic capability allows the eyepiece to be properly focused for each user while maintaining simplified alignment through the coordinated movement mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an optical assembly featuring an architecture which allows adjustment of both objective lenses and the electronic sensing assemblies in the optical assembly. Electrical connections in the housings of the various subassemblies allow focusing adjustment by rotational and/or translational movement for increased adjustability.