Passive Reflector Positioning Mechanism for Continuous Azimuth Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for positioning passive reflectors, such as lens/mirror assemblies, face challenges in continuous 360° azimuth rotation without reversing direction, and require power transfer methods like slip rings or RF rotary joints, which are prone to wear, corrosion, and power loss.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base, mount, and linkage with a rigid arm that allows continuous 360° azimuth rotation without reversing direction, using a motor control unit with bi-directional motors and a worm gear-set for elevation control, eliminating the need for slip rings or RF rotary joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric cabling is used to supply power to rotating components, then power can be transferred reliably, but the system cannot rotate continuously without reversing direction after approximately 200° of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electric cabling from the rotating components entirely, extracting the power transfer function to a stationary power source that communicates wirelessly with the rotating components. This eliminates the fundamental constraint that prevents continuous rotation while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical electric cabling system with a wireless power transmission system, substituting the physical connection that limits rotation with a non-contact power transfer mechanism that enables continuous 360° rotation without direction reversal.
2Ease of operation
If brush-type electrical slip rings are used to transfer power between rotating and non-rotating components, then continuous rotation is enabled, but the slip rings wear and require frequent replacement due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with a wireless power transmission system, eliminating the friction-based electrical contact that causes wear. This substitution removes the moving electrical contacts entirely, allowing continuous rotation without the wear and maintenance issues inherent in slip ring designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power transfer function from the mechanical slip ring system and implements it through wireless transmission, removing the friction-prone electrical contacts while maintaining continuous rotation capability and improving component durability.
3Ease of operation
If RF rotary joints are inserted in signal paths for active sensors, then signals can be transferred between rotating and non-rotating components, but power losses are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the RF rotary joints from the signal path entirely, extracting the signal transfer function and implementing it through wireless transmission. This eliminates the insertion losses inherent in RF rotary joints while maintaining the ability to transfer signals between rotating and stationary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical RF rotary joint system with a wireless signal transmission system, substituting the physical rotating joint that introduces power losses with a non-contact transmission method that preserves signal strength and reduces energy loss.
4Ease of operation
If slip rings are used for power transfer, then continuous rotation is enabled, but they are susceptible to corrosion particularly in seaborne applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transfer function from the slip ring system and implements it wirelessly, removing the metal electrical contacts that are susceptible to corrosion in harsh environments like seaborne applications, while maintaining continuous rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with a wireless power transmission system, eliminating the corrosion-prone electrical contacts and moving parts that are vulnerable to environmental degradation, thereby improving reliability in corrosive environments.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems (100) are provided for positioning passive reflectors, such a lens/mirror assemblies (10), and other types of reflectors that need to be pointed in a particular direction. The systems can effectuate control of both the elevation ("X") and azimuth ("Z") angles of the reflector. The systems can be configured so that a mount can rotate so as to vary the azimuth angle of the reflector by 360° or more without a need to reverse the direction of rotation of the reflector, and without the use of slip rings, RF rotary joints, or electrical cable wraps.