Rotating Elliptical Mirror for Wide Waveband Boresight Collimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boresight collimating devices face challenges in achieving multiple source illumination of a pin hole/reticule without complex systems or exotic materials, and often require removable parts that can be misplaced or lost, increasing operational costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A rotating elliptical mirror is used as a single moving part to achieve multiple source illumination, acting as both a reflective surface and an electrical switch to position and activate multiple illumination sources, eliminating the need for interchangeable parts and exotic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination sources are used to achieve wide waveband operation, then the operational versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple illumination sources are merged into a single optical path through the rotating elliptical mirror mechanism. The mirror sequentially directs light from multiple sources through a common pinhole and optical train, combining multiple functions into one integrated system rather than requiring separate optical paths for each wavelength.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating elliptical mirror serves multiple functions: it acts as a beam director for multiple illumination sources, functions as a mechanical switch to select which source is active, and maintains precise optical alignment. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate switching mechanisms for each wavelength source.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable parts are used for different wavelength sources, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability decreases due to parts being misplaced or lost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple illumination sources are permanently integrated into a single housing structure with a common optical path. Instead of using separate removable components for each wavelength source, the system combines all sources into one unified assembly that cannot be misplaced or lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating elliptical mirror mechanism provides a universal solution for selecting between multiple illumination sources without requiring physical removal or attachment of parts. The mechanical switching function is integrated into the mirror rotation mechanism, eliminating the need for interchangeable components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging side uses moving mechanical components to achieve multiple source illumination, then the adaptability is improved, but the alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a rotating elliptical mirror to dynamically switch between multiple illumination sources while maintaining static, precision-aligned optical components. The movement is confined to the mirror rotation about its focus, which preserves the fixed geometric relationships needed for precise alignment in the imaging path.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating elliptical mirror acts as an intermediary element that introduces mobility into the system without requiring moving components in the sensitive imaging path. It mediates between the need for multiple sources and the requirement for stable alignment by providing a controlled, predictable movement mechanism that doesn't compromise optical precision.
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 allows for precise alignment and reduced operational costs by integrating multiple source illumination into a single moving part, maintaining precision alignment across a wide waveband without the need for complex systems or exotic materials.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination sources (5) creating multiple source beams (2) are placed at multiple locations, defined by the other foci of the rotating elliptical mirror (4), so that when the rotating elliptical mirror (4) is rotated each different source (5) is correctly positioned to reflect the source beam (2) at the foci (7) of the rotating elliptical mirror (4)
Implementation Method 2
The pinhole/reticule (6) is then imaged using a parabolic mirror (3) having the same foci (7) as the rotating elliptical mirror (4), collimating the light output (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A boresight collimating device using a novel way of achieving multiple source illumination of the pin hole/reticule using one moving part, a rotating elliptical mirror, while maintaining precision alignment of the device is disclosed.