Periscope Backup Sight Using Power-Independent Fiber Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing periscope mirrors in vehicles, particularly in armored vehicles, fail to provide effective emergency sighting during power outages and require additional space and observers for dual sighting, with electronic enhancements being unreliable and fiber optics lacking image optimization.
Innovation Solution
A corner mirror system with a partially transparent mirror head and an external lens connected via fiber optics, allowing dual image transmission through a primary and secondary view, with the lens functioning as an emergency sight and enabling panoramic rotation and zoom capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic components are used to enhance image transmission in the corner mirror, then image quality and functionality are improved, but the system becomes unreliable during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the image transmission system into two independent pathways: an electronic-enhanced path (mirror head with electronics) and an optical-only path (lens with fiber optic cable). This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability by switching to the non-electronic optical path during power failures, while still benefiting from electronic enhancements during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between electronic-enhanced mode (when power is available) and pure optical mode (when power is unavailable). The lens and fiber optic cable provide a parameter change in the transmission medium, offering a backup that operates under different conditions (without electrical power).
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second periscope is installed for emergency sighting, then emergency viewing capability is provided, but additional space and a second observer are required
Solution Approach 1:
The solution merges the emergency sighting function into the existing corner mirror housing by integrating a lens and fiber optic cable system. This combining of functions allows the single corner mirror unit to provide both primary viewing (through the mirror head) and emergency viewing (through the lens) capabilities, eliminating the need for a separate second periscope and reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner mirror system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary viewing device and as the emergency sighting device. The lens and fiber optic cable integration enables the same housing to fulfill multiple roles: normal operation mode and emergency power-failure mode, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated emergency equipment.
3Reliability
If fiber optic cables are used for image transmission, then emergency operation without power is enabled, but image optimization is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments image transmission functions by assigning different optimization capabilities to different pathways: the electronic-enhanced path handles image optimization (light amplification, night vision, magnification) while the optical-only path handles power-independent operation. This segmentation allows each pathway to excel at its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable acts as an intermediary that transfers the optical image from the lens to the viewing area without requiring electrical power. This intermediary enables the transmission of optically-captured images while preserving the option for electronic enhancement in the alternative pathway, thus mediating between the needs for power independence and image optimization.
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
Ensures continuous image transmission during emergencies without power, minimizes space requirements, and provides robust, compact dual viewing with enhanced image optimization and user-friendly access.
Implementation Method 1
this optical connection functions purely physically, preferably through at least one fiber optic cable
Implementation Method 2
the corner mirror typically has an at least partially transparent mirror head, which can receive optical signals from outside the vehicle and transmit them through the corner mirror for viewing
Implementation Method 3
a lens is also provided that is not located within the housing of the angle mirror. This lens is arranged outside the housing on the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to an angle mirror (A) comprising a housing (2), wherein the housing is equipped with a lower part (3) and a mirror head (1), and the housing (2) can additionally have an intermediate piece (8) and/or a rotary plate (6). According to the invention, an objective (B) is arranged outside of the housing (2) of the angle mirror (A), and the objective (B) is connected to the angle mirror (A) via an optical connection (C). The aforementioned arrangement imparts the angle mirror (A) with the ability to display two images, mainly one image by means of the mirror head (1) and one image by means of the objective (B). Because the image transmission of the objective (B) functions in a currentless manner, preferably via a glass fiber line (30), the objective functions as a backup sight which continues to function even in the event of a power supply failure.