Pseudo-Inertial Light Reference for Vibration Isolation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote observation instruments face challenges in maintaining a stable line of sight due to vibrations, which are not adequately addressed by current optical line-of-sight stabilization solutions, particularly in high-resolution imaging and laser communication systems, as these solutions are complex, costly, and often insufficient for current remote imaging systems.

Innovation Solution

A device using a passive pseudo-inertial light reference, decoupled from platform vibrations through elastomeric supports, creates a stable reference for line-of-sight stabilization, effectively isolating lateral vibrations in a specific frequency range, thereby reducing the need for active stabilization systems and gyroscopic measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If active vibration detection and correction systems are used, then line-of-sight stabilization performance is improved, but device complexity and design constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline-of-sight stabilizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light reference from the vibrating optical platform and places it on a separate support structure (tripod or independent mounting). This physical separation removes the reference from the harmful vibrations while maintaining its function, achieving stabilization without complex active correction systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary support structure (independent tripod or separate mounting) that mediates between the ground and the light reference. This intermediary isolates the reference from platform vibrations, providing a stable reference without requiring complex active stabilization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If inertial references such as stars are used, then line-of-sight measurement capability is improved, but the system requires complex active control and electrical networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline-of-sight measurementVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a local copy of a stable reference (light source on independent support) that mimics the function of distant stellar references. This local reference provides the same measurement capability without requiring complex tracking of celestial objects or extensive electrical networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The light source on the independent support serves itself as the reference, eliminating the need for external stellar references and complex active control systems. The system uses its own locally-generated light reference, which is inherently stable and requires no additional control infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If pseudo-inertial light references with active control are used, then vibration correction is improved, but manufacturing cost and design constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration correctionVSAvoidinstrument cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light reference from the expensive active control system and places it on a simple independent support. This extraction achieves vibration isolation through passive mechanical means, eliminating the need for costly active control components while maintaining correction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex active control systems with a simple, inexpensive independent support structure. The cheap passive isolation mechanism provides sufficient stabilization for the intended application, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution provides stable line-of-sight stabilization in the frequency range of 10 Hz to a few hundred Hz, reducing the complexity and cost of the optical instrument while maintaining precise pointing accuracy, even in zero-gravity environments.

Implementation Method 1

passive means for isolating this light reference with respect to lateral vibrations transmitted by the optical platform in a predetermined frequency range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Implementation Method 2

elastomeric supports

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastomeric damping: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2290430B1System for measuring the variation of an optical line of sight of an optical instrument
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAS
  • EP2290430B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2290430B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2290430B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~7

AI summary

The device has an optical measuring path that is same as an observation path of an optical instrument. An optical beam measuring detector (11) measures optical beam issued from a light source (6) and is arranged in a manner such that the beam travels in the observation path. A pseudo inertia collimating mirror (5) is arranged on the optical measuring path. A passive isolator i.e. elastomeric support, isolates the collimating mirror with respect to lateral vibrations transmitted by an optical platform in a predetermined frequency range. An independent claim is also included for a high frequency vibration control device for an optical sight line of an optical instrument, comprising a correcting unit for correcting shifting of an observation beam.