Planar Observation Mirror Positioning for Fast Sky Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescope mounts, such as altazimuth and equatorial mounts, face limitations in quickly changing observation directions, especially for high-speed moving objects, and require stable installation environments, which restrict their versatility and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An observation apparatus that controls the observation direction through a moving object on plane coordinates, utilizing a rotating unit, support unit, and moving unit to adjust the position and speed of an observation mirror, eliminating the need for traditional mounts and allowing precise direction changes using x and y-axis controls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If traditional mount structures (altazimuth or equatorial) are used to control observation direction, then the observation apparatus can be stably installed, but the observation direction cannot be changed at high speed to track high-speed moving objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation direction change speedVSAvoidmount structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the observation unit from the traditional mount structure, separating the observation mirror and its support from the complex altazimuth or equatorial mounting mechanisms. This allows the observation unit to be controlled independently by moving the platform carrying the counterweight, enabling high-speed direction changes without the structural constraints of traditional mounts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the observation mirror or telescope assembly within a fixed mount structure, the patent inverts the approach by moving the entire platform carrying the counterweight and control mechanisms while keeping the observation unit relatively stationary. This inversion enables faster and more flexible observation direction changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional mount structures are used, then the apparatus can maintain stability during observation, but the equipment becomes heavy and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation stabilityVSAvoidmount structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the heavy traditional mount structures (altazimuth or equatorial mounts) from the system, extracting only the essential functions of stabilizing the observation unit. The observation mirror is supported directly on a simplified platform with a counterweight system, dramatically reducing overall weight while maintaining observation stability through the counterbalancing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If angle-based control (altitude and azimuth) is used, then the observation apparatus can be intuitively operated, but observation is difficult near the celestial sphere where the altitude angle is 90°

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation intuitivenessVSAvoidobservation coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameters from traditional altitude-azimuth angles to a different coordinate system that avoids the singularity problem at 90° altitude. By using alternative angular parameters or a platform-based positioning system, the apparatus achieves both ease of operation and full-sky observation capability without the limitations of conventional mount coordinates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If the observation mirror is installed on a mount structure, then the apparatus can be stably fixed on the ground, but the location or environment requirements restrict versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidinstallation location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static ground-based mount structures to a dynamic platform system that can be moved and deployed in various locations and environments. The observation unit is mounted on a movable platform with counterweight stabilization, allowing stable observations from diverse locations including mobile platforms, while maintaining operational stability through the counterbalancing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12468140B2Observation apparatus for changing observation direction by controlling moving object which moves on plane coordinates

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 SL LAB INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to an observation apparatus which changes and moves planar position coordinates of a moving object connected to an observation unit, so as to adjust an observation direction of the observation unit and a change speed of the observation direction, such that objects moving at low to high speeds can be tracked and observed, and objects in the celestial direction can be observed.