Optical Coudé Path for Gimbaled Data Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gimbaled systems face challenges in transferring large amounts of data across gimbal axes, as electrical slip rings become complex and unreliable, and harnesses induce torque, necessitating a more efficient data transfer method.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical coudé path that uses mirrors to provide a data communication path between on-gimbal and off-gimbal elements, allowing for high-speed data transfer without the need for electrical slip rings or torque-inducing harnesses, utilizing both on-gimbal and off-gimbal communication lasers for bi-directional data transmission and auto-alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical slip rings are used to transfer data across gimbal axes, then data transfer capability is provided, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases for large amounts of data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical slip ring system with an optical communication system using lasers and photodetectors. The optical path allows data transfer across gimbal axes without physical electrical contacts, eliminating the complexity and reliability issues of slip rings while maintaining data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light beam through coudé path) to transfer data across the gimbal boundary. The optical path acts as a mediator that connects on-gimbal and off-gimbal systems without requiring direct electrical contact through the rotating joint.
2Reliability
If electrical harnesses are used to transfer data across gimbal axes, then data transfer capability is provided, but torque is induced on the gimbaled system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical harness with an optical communication system. The optical path transmits data without physical connection through the gimbal joint, eliminating the torque-inducing forces that electrical harnesses create while maintaining data transfer functionality.
3Productivity
If optical coudé path is implemented for data transfer, then data transfer rate increases and torque issues are avoided, but system alignment precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-alignment mechanisms where the optical system automatically adjusts and aligns itself. The system includes feedback mechanisms that detect misalignment and automatically correct the optical path, eliminating the need for precise manual manufacturing alignment while maintaining high data transfer rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the optical path alignment and automatically adjust system parameters to maintain optimal alignment. This feedback control compensates for manufacturing tolerances and environmental variations, ensuring consistent performance without requiring extreme manufacturing precision.
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 the transfer of large amounts of data, including video and LADAR data, at rates up to 2 Gbps or greater, while maintaining system stability and avoiding torque issues, with auto-alignment capabilities to correct cross-gimbal errors.
Implementation Method 1
optical coudé path that uses mirrors to provide a data communication path
Implementation Method 2
utilizing both on-gimbal and off-gimbal communication lasers for bi-directional data transmission
Implementation Method 3
allowing for high-speed data transfer without the need for electrical slip rings or torque-inducing harnesses
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Embodiments of a gimbaled system with an optical coudé path and method for transferring data are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the gimbaled system includes optical coudé path to provide a data communication path with a gimbaled payload, an on-gimbal communication laser to transmit modulated camera data via the coudé path, and an off-gimbal communication detector to detect the camera data received via the coudé path. In some embodiments, the optical coudé path may include at least two mirrors to provide a bi-directional communication path through an azimuth axis and an elevation axis of the gimbaled payload.