Internal Optical Beam Steering via Extraction and Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical beam directors for aircraft require large turrets that increase drag and induce jitter and wavefront errors, limiting their effectiveness in steering high and low power lasers and optical sensors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a light source, a first mirror, a second mirror, and a support structure, where the mirrors pivot about an azimuth axis within an enclosure, allowing the light beam to be directed through an exit window without the need for a turret, maintaining a smooth aircraft surface and reducing drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large turret is used to house optical beam directors, then the beam steering capability is achieved, but drag and aerodynamic disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical beam directing function from the traditional external turret structure and relocates it inside the aircraft fuselage. The optical components (mirrors, beam directors) are positioned within the enclosed space, eliminating the need for protruding turrets and thereby reducing drag and aerodynamic disruption while maintaining beam steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional external three-dimensional turret structure to a two-dimensional planar arrangement of optical components within the fuselage cross-section. The optical axis remains perpendicular to the fuselage surface, but the steering mechanism operates within the confined internal space, effectively using the fuselage wall as a mounting surface for the optical assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large turret is used externally, then optical beam directing is achieved, but jitter and wavefront error are induced
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the optical beam directing system from the external turret environment to the protected internal fuselage space, the patent eliminates exposure to external disturbances such as wind, vibration, and temperature fluctuations that cause jitter and wavefront errors. The stable internal environment preserves optical beam quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent preemptively protects the optical system from harmful external effects by enclosing it within the fuselage structure before the beam directing operation begins. This preliminary protective action prevents jitter and wavefront errors from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to correct them afterward.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a turret structure is used, then beam steering is enabled, but the aircraft surface continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the protruding turret structure from the aircraft external surface and relocates the optical beam directing components inside the fuselage. The exit window provides a flush mounting surface that maintains the smooth external contour, eliminating aerodynamic disruption and preserving surface continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical beam directing system is nested within the aircraft fuselage structure, with the optical components housed inside the enclosed space. The exit window serves as an integrated part of the fuselage surface, creating a nested arrangement that maintains external surface continuity while accommodating the steering mechanism internally.
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
This solution enables improved beam direction with reduced drag and aerodynamic disruption, allowing for a wider angle of steering and minimizing jitter and wavefront errors, while maintaining a compact and continuous aircraft surface.
Implementation Method 1
The first mirror is disposed along the optical path, and receives and re-directs the light energy from the light source
Implementation Method 2
The second mirror receives the re-directed light energy from the first mirror and to re-direct the light energy toward a target through a window
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that includes a light source, a first mirror, a second mirror, and a support structure. The light source provides light energy along an optical path extending along an optical axis. The first mirror receives and re-directs the light energy from the light source, and pivots about an azimuth axis. The second mirror receives the re-directed light energy from the first mirror and to re-direct the light energy toward a target through a window. The support structure has a first end and a second end. The first end is mounted at a support rotation point, with the support structure rotating about the support rotation point as the first mirror pivots about the azimuth axis. The second mirror is mounted to the second end of the support structure.