Optical Path Switching Device Using Single Mirror and Spur Drive Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-spectral targeting systems face challenges in efficiently directing electromagnetic radiation to multiple detectors using a common aperture, as prior solutions often require multiple optical systems or complex actuator mechanisms, limiting flexibility and ease of detector upgrades.
Innovation Solution
An optical path switching device with a single mirror and active/passive actuators, allowing precise rotation and positioning to direct electromagnetic radiation to one of five detectors, including visible, near infrared, short-wave infrared, and test cameras, using a spur drive gear system and adjustable stops, with a controller managing positions and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete mirrors and actuators are used to direct electromagnetic radiation to multiple detectors, then each detector can be independently positioned, but the device complexity and system size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete mirrors into a single mirror and multiple actuators into a single actuator with a gear system. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to direct electromagnetic radiation to multiple detectors, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The single mirror is designed to perform multiple functions by being positioned at different angles to direct electromagnetic radiation to different detectors. The actuator system provides universal control capability for positioning the mirror to serve various detectors, making the system more versatile with fewer components
2Device complexity
If a single mirror with one actuator is used to share a common aperture among detectors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision and reliability of detector positioning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a simple direct-drive actuator mechanism with a gear-based mechanical transmission system. The gear system provides mechanical advantage and precise positioning control, ensuring that the single mirror can be accurately positioned to direct electromagnetic radiation to the desired detector with high precision despite the reduced number of components
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical systems are used for different spectral bands, then each detector optimized for its band can operate independently, but the system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical systems into a single common aperture that serves all detectors. The single mirror and actuator system controls the shared aperture, reducing the overall system size while maintaining the ability to capture electromagnetic radiation across different spectral bands for multiple detectors
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 continuous use of a common aperture by multiple detectors, reducing system size and complexity, facilitating detector upgrades, and allowing flexible direction of electromagnetic radiation to various detectors with high precision.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror coupled to the mirror mount... direct the reflected electromagnetic radiation to one of five detectors
Implementation Method 2
a mirror mount rotatably mounted on the platform by a bearing
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
An optical path switching device is configured to selectively direct electromagnetic radiation toward one detector of a plurality of detectors (24,26,28,30,32). The switching device includes a platform (48), a mirror mount (42) rotatably mounted on the platform by a bearing, a mirror (44) coupled to the mirror mount, and an active actuator (52) configured to rotate the mirror mount with respect to the platform a predetermined amount to direct electromagnetic radiation toward a desired detector.