Rotating Mirror Energy Signal Processing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy signal processing devices are either complex, bulky, or have limited mobility, making them inefficient for emitting and receiving signals over a range of positions, and often require additional support structures that can cause occlusions in the transmission path.
Innovation Solution
A compact energy signal processing system that includes a reflective element mounted on a rotatable shaft assembly, allowing for 360-degree rotation about the azimuth axis and zenith motion, with a limiting aperture to control the angle of view and reduce background noise, using a mechanical gear assembly or other drive systems for precise motion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a remote mirror module is used to transmit energy signals over a range of positions, then the emitting/receiving unit can remain stationary, but the mechanism to rotate the mirror must be positioned at opposite ends, exposing components to damage and requiring additional support structures that create occlusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the emitting/receiving unit with the mirror rotation mechanism into a single integrated housing. The mirror is positioned within the housing and rotates about a vertical axis, while the emitting/receiving unit remains protected inside the same housing structure. This eliminates the need for exposed mirror mechanisms at opposite ends and removes the requirement for additional external support structures that would create occlusions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two motor assemblies are used for pan-tilt positioning, then the device can receive video signals over a range of positions, but the device becomes complex and requires significant space for packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single motor assembly that performs multiple functions: it rotates the mirror about a vertical axis (pan function) and, through the mirror's angular position control, enables the emitting/receiving unit to scan signals over a wide angular range. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate pan and tilt motor assemblies while maintaining comprehensive sensing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves two-axis scanning capability through a clever geometric arrangement: the mirror rotates about a vertical axis, and the emitting/receiving unit is positioned to utilize this rotation combined with the mirror's reflective geometry to achieve scanning in both azimuth and elevation dimensions. This dimensional approach allows versatile signal reception without requiring physically separate motor assemblies for each axis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the emitting/receiving unit or mirror rotation mechanism is suspended above the main support housing, then 360-degree azimuth rotation is achieved, but components are exposed above the housing making them vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both the mirror rotation mechanism and the emitting/receiving unit within a single protected housing. The mirror rotates about a vertical axis inside the housing, and the emitting/receiving unit remains enclosed throughout the rotation range. This integration ensures that no components are exposed above the housing while maintaining the capability for full 360-degree azimuth rotation and zenith motion.
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
The system enables efficient and cost-effective emission and reception of energy signals over a wide range while keeping the heavier components stationary, reducing packaging complexity and vulnerability, and allowing for continuous 360-degree scans with adjustable zenith range.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective element arranged to deflect energy signals, travelling substantially along said preselected path axis and impinging it, substantially along said azimuth axis
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy signal processing system (10) includes a first shaft assembly (14) rotatable about an azimuth axis (16), and a second shaft assembly (18) coaxially mounted for rotation about the azimuth axis (16). The first shaft assembly (14) defines a zenith plane (20) inclined with respect to the azimuth axis (16). The system (10) includes an energy signal processing element (22) rotatable about a processing element axis (24) that intersects and is generally perpendicular to the azimuth axis (16), as well as a means for rotating the element (22) about the element axis (24) such that: energy signals travelling substantially along a preselected path axis (12) and impinging the energy signal processing element (22) are processed or deflected substantially along the azimuth axis (16); or vice versa; or energy signals generated by the energy signal processing element (22) are directed substantially along the preselected path axis (12).