Pivotable Mirror Periscope for Optical-Electronic View Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing periscopes in military vehicles do not allow users to seamlessly switch between optical and electronically generated views without changing their viewing position, and they often lack compactness for easy retrofitting into existing vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A periscope design featuring a pivotable mirror that selectively reflects light between an optical path and an electronic display path, allowing users to switch views by simple movement, with a compact footprint achieved by pivoting about an axis crossing the optical path and using a double-sided mirror to prevent illumination and minimize space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a second reflector is made movable to switch between optical and electronic views, then the periscope provides versatile viewing options, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second reflector is made movable between a first position (reflecting light from the first reflector towards the viewing window for optical viewing) and a second position (reflecting light from the electronic display towards the viewing window for electronic viewing). This dynamic positioning allows the periscope to switch between optical and electronic viewing modes, providing versatility while managing complexity through controlled movement rather than multiple fixed systems
Solution Approach 2:
The second reflector serves multiple functions: it can reflect light from the first reflector for optical viewing, reflect light from the electronic display for electronic viewing, and potentially block light paths when positioned appropriately. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each viewing mode, managing device complexity while achieving versatility
2Ease of operation
If the second reflector is arranged for translational movement between positions, then the switching mechanism is simple, but the periscope size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of translational movement along the optical axis, the second reflector is arranged to pivot about an axis that is outside the optical path between the first reflector and the viewing window. This rotational movement in a different dimension allows the reflector to switch between positions without requiring additional space along the optical path, thereby maintaining a compact periscope housing volume while preserving ease of operation
3Volume of moving object
If the second reflector pivots about an axis crossing the optical path, then the periscope maintains compactness, but the mirror must be double-sided to prevent illumination issues
Solution Approach 1:
The double-sided mirror is dynamically positioned to present the appropriate reflective surface to the appropriate light source. When viewing the object window, one surface reflects light from the first reflector; when viewing the electronic display, the other surface reflects light from the display port. This dynamic positioning allows the compact pivoting design to function correctly without requiring the mirror to pass through positions where its plane is parallel to the optical paths, which would cause illumination leakage
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a double-sided mirror is used to block illumination, then the object window is protected from electronic display illumination, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is designed with two reflective surfaces at specific angles to each other, allowing it to redirect light from different sources (object window and electronic display) to the viewing window. By changing the orientation parameter of the mirror through pivoting, the system can present the appropriate surface to the appropriate light source, preventing illumination leakage while maintaining manufacturability through standard angular configurations
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 users to switch between optical and electronic views without changing their position, maintaining compactness and preventing illumination issues, thus enhancing usability and stealth in military scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The first reflector is arranged to reflect light from the object window towards the second reflector
Implementation Method 2
the second reflector reflects light from the first reflector towards the viewing window
Implementation Method 3
the second reflector reflects light from the display port towards the viewing window
Data Source
AI summary
A periscope comprises an object window (4), a first reflector (5), a second reflector (6), a viewing window (7) and a display port for an electronic display (8). The first reflector (5) is arranged to reflect light from the object window (4) towards the second reflector (6). The second reflector (6) is selectively movable between a first position of use in which the second reflector (6) reflects light from the first reflector (5) towards the viewing window (7) and a second position of use in which the second reflector (6) reflects light from the display port towards the viewing window (7). The periscope provides a simple design that allows the user's view to be switched between an electronically generated image, such as night vision, and a purely optical image.