Optics Platform Swing-Arm Control for Fine Motion Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optics platforms struggle with fine motion adjustments, particularly in high-magnification devices like telescopes and cameras, due to environmental forces such as wind and vibration, which can cause devices to lose focus or require significant re-alignment.

Innovation Solution

The optics platform features a base plate with a swing arm and pivot arm that allow for semi-circular horizontal and vertical movements, constrained by interlocking end members and biasing members like springs, enabling precise and independent control of the device's position through windage and elevation knobs, and a ball mount attachment for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing optics platforms are used, then basic support function is provided, but fine motion adjustments are insufficient due to environmental forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine motion adjustment precisionVSAvoidfocus stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is divided into multiple independent adjustment mechanisms: azimuth adjustment for horizontal positioning, elevation adjustment for vertical positioning, and tilt adjustment for angular correction. Each mechanism operates independently to provide precise control over different degrees of freedom, enabling fine motion adjustments while maintaining stability against environmental disturbances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If high-magnification devices are used, then viewing capability is improved, but sensitivity to movement increases making focus difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection capabilityVSAvoidfocus maintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The platform provides differentiated adjustment capabilities for different operational needs: coarse adjustment mechanisms for rapid positioning and fine adjustment mechanisms for precise focus maintenance. The azimuth and elevation knobs provide controlled motion ranges suitable for high-magnification devices, while the tilt mechanism addresses specific angular corrections needed for optimal viewing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If stable support is provided, then device stability is improved, but fine motion control capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform stabilityVSAvoidmotion adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The platform incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the system to transition between stable and movable states. The azimuth and elevation knobs enable controlled motion when adjustment is needed, while the interlocking mechanisms and friction-based holding provide stability when positioning is complete. This dynamic capability allows the platform to adapt between providing fine motion control and maintaining stable support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration provides precise, fine-tuned adjustments and stability, allowing for easier centering and tracking of objects, enhancing the ability to maintain focus and magnification in high-magnification devices by allowing incremental and controlled movements.

Implementation Method 1

A spring is contained within a spring hole in the base plate and applies force to the swing arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A pivot arm is pivotally attached to the swing arm to articulate in a semi-circular motion around a horizontal axis of the swing arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS11859761B2Controlled motion optics platforms
Publication Date: 2024.01.02 UNICE SCOTT
  • US11859761B2 patent drawing
  • US11859761B2 patent drawing
  • US11859761B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optics platform includes a base plate, a swing arm pivotally attached to the base plate so as to articulate in a semi-circular motion around a vertical axis on the base plate. The optics platform further includes a pivot arm that is pivotally attached to the swing arm so as to articulate in a semi-circular motion around a horizontal axis of the swing arm.