Rotatable Ring Beam Steering Device for Satellite Laser Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directable light beam handling devices for optical satellite laser communication require compact, simple, and smooth orientation adjustment of rotatable mirrors, but they often rely on bulky components and limited range of direction control, necessitating additional mirror rotations to achieve wider beam redirection.
Innovation Solution
A directable light beam handling device utilizing a rotatable ring that encircles the beam expander, powered by electromagnets and soft magnetic materials, allowing for precise and compact orientation without the need for gears or cable connections, and incorporating a control circuit and sensor system for accurate torque application and position measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional rotatable mirror mechanisms are used with gears and cable connections, then the mirror can be rotated, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical rotation mechanisms (gears, cables, connectors) with an electromagnetic field-based system. Electromagnets mounted on the ring interact with a stationary magnetic field to produce rotational torque, eliminating the need for mechanical transmission components and achieving smooth, cable-free orientation control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the complex mechanical transmission elements (gears, cable connections, rigid linkages) from the rotation mechanism, retaining only the essential rotational function achieved through electromagnetic interaction between the ring-mounted electromagnets and the stationary magnetic field
2Volume of moving object
If the ring structure entirely encircles the beam axis, then compact design is achieved, but the distance between edges becomes small requiring high orientation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors (such as Hall sensors or encoders) that detect the angular position of the ring and feed this information back to the control system. This feedback enables real-time monitoring and correction of the ring's orientation, ensuring precise beam direction control even when the ring has small edge distances
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs control circuits that dynamically adjust the current supplied to the electromagnets based on the desired orientation and feedback from position sensors. By changing the electrical parameters (current magnitude and phase) of the electromagnets, the system achieves precise angular control of the ring's position
3Force
If permanent magnets are used in force transmission, then torque can be generated, but smooth angle adjustment becomes difficult and permanent magnet positioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnets instead of permanent magnets, allowing the magnetic field strength and polarity to be dynamically controlled through electrical current. This enables smooth, continuous adjustment of the torque applied to the ring, facilitating precise and flexible angle control without the discrete positioning constraints of permanent magnets
Solution Approach 2:
By varying the electrical current parameters (magnitude, direction, and timing) supplied to the electromagnets, the system can continuously adjust the magnetic force and resulting torque on the ring, enabling smooth angle transitions and precise positioning without mechanical constraints
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 smooth, compact, and precise control of light beam direction over a wide range, reducing the complexity and bulk of the device while maintaining high accuracy and efficiency in orientation adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the force transmission is implemented using electromagnets and the soft magnetic material of the ring
Implementation Method 2
the force transmission is implemented using electromagnets and the soft magnetic material of the ring
Data Source
AI summary
A directable light beam handling device for use in optical communication contains is provided that contains a rotation mechanism with a rotatable ring of soft magnetic material encircling a path of the beam from a beam expander. A mirror or prism being coupled to the rotatable ring is rotated with the ring. The ring includes an array of soft magnetic ridges, forming elevations extending from a surface of the ring. At least three electromagnets are used to drive rotation of the ring around the beam axis. Each electromagnets comprises a soft magnetic yoke, having poles at a first and second end portion of the yoke. The pole at the first end portion faces said surface of the ring, the first end portion having ridges elevated from the yoke in the direction towards the ring, in parallel with the ridges of the ring.